System Inspections
Ensure the Safety and Longevity of Your Solar Panels
Solar panels should be inspected on a regular basis to maintain peak performance, ensure safety, and extend their lifespan. Routine inspections allow early detection of issues before they develop into major faults, helping to avoid expensive repairs and reduce the risk of safety hazards.
Why Inspections Are Important for Your Solar Panels
- Ensure System Performance - Identify any issues that may be reducing energy output or efficiency.
- Prevent Damage - Detect faults early—such as microcracks, loose connections, or hotspots—before they cause more serious damage.
- Protect Your Investment - Extend the lifespan of your solar system by addressing minor issues before they escalate.
- Maintain Safety - Reduce the risk of electrical faults, fire hazards, or water ingress caused by damaged panels or wiring.
- Meet Warranty Requirements - Some manufacturers or installers require regular inspections to keep warranties valid.
- Support Informed Maintenance - Help guide whether cleaning, repairs, or upgrades are needed.
- Post-Weather Assessment - Crucial after hailstorms or extreme weather to check for hidden damage.
- Maximise ROI - Keep the system operating at peak efficiency to ensure the best possible return on your energy savings.
Types of System Inspections
There are three main types of solar panel inspections—visual, electrical, and thermal. The most appropriate inspection for your system will depend on its maintenance requirements and the specific issues or concerns being assessed.
Visual Inspection
A visual inspection is a non-intrusive assessment method used to examine the various components of your solar system for signs of defects, damage, or irregularities.
Purpose
The primary objective of a visual inspection is to identify potential issues early, before they develop into significant faults, thereby ensuring the continued safety, reliability, and efficiency of your system.
It is recommended that visual inspections be conducted annually as part of a proactive maintenance schedule
Electrical Test & Inspection
An electrical test and inspection involve the use of a multimeter to measure key electrical parameters of your solar panels. Items such as open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc) are checked and the recorded values are then compared against the manufacturer’s rated specifications to evaluate the system’s performance.
Purpose
The aim of electrical testing and inspection is to detect issues such as faulty wiring, defective panels, or poor connections. Identifying these problems early helps prevent potential hazards, including electric shocks, fire risks, and system failures.
We recommend a comprehensive electrical test and inspection be conducted every three years. These inspections must be carried out by a qualified and accredited solar electrician.
Thermal Imaging Inspection
A Thermal Imaging Inspection is conducted using a specialised infrared camera to detect heat patterns across the surface of solar panels. This method can reveal temperature anomalies, such as hot spots, which may indicate underlying defects or performance issues with individual cells within a solar panel.
Purpose
The primary goal of thermal imaging is to identify temperature variations that may signal problems such as microcracks, loose connections, or deteriorating or failed cells – issues that are not visible to the naked eye.
It is recommended that a Thermal Imaging Inspection be carried out every five years or promptly after a significant weather event, such as a hailstorm.