Solar Panel Servicing FAQs

Solar Panel Servicing FAQs

Did you know that your panels can become 15 to 20 percent less effective as dust, tree sap, leaves and bird droppings build up over time?

That means a solar array is only as reliable as the care it receives. Even the most robust installations can lose output over time if panels gather dust, inverters develop hidden faults or wiring begins to corrode. At DS Energy, our solar panel servicing combines technical rigour with a practical, end-to-end inspection to keep Queensland homes and businesses generating at peak efficiency. We share the answers to some of our most frequently asked solar panel servicing questions below.

 

Why is Regular Solar Panel Servicing Important?

​​Just like your car, your solar panels need a health check to perform at its best. Over time, dust build-up, bird activity, hidden faults or even a new roof extension can reduce output on even the most robust solar installation.

Even the most robust solar installation will underperform if dust, debris or hidden faults go unchecked. A professional service:

  • Maximises energy yield, so you get the lowest possible power bills.
  • Protects warranties, which often require annual maintenance.
  • Ensures safety, by spotting loose wiring or earthing issues early.
  • Maintains compliance, keeping your system aligned with Clean Energy Council guidelines.

 

How Often Should I Schedule Solar Panel Servicing?

For most installations, an annual inspection keeps performance on track and warranties and insurances valid. If your panels face unsealed roads, coastal salt spray or heavy wildlife activity, a six-monthly check can prevent accelerated soiling and vermin damage. Either way, regular servicing catches minor faults early, preserving output and avoiding unexpected downtime.

 

What Does Solar Panel Servicing Include?

Our service offers both preventative and corrective maintenance, with each phase including a clear, comprehensive report compiled by our two-person technician team.

1. Preventative Maintenance

Site audits: Full visual inspection of PV panels (cleanliness, defects, corrosion), inverters (fault logs, fans, clearances) and balance-of-system components (cables, isolators, signage).

Panel cleaning: Removal of dust, leaves, nests and sap to restore 100 percent sunlight capture.

Thermal imaging (as required): Identifies hotspots and connection faults invisible to the naked eye.

Ongoing remote monitoring: Continuous data tracking flags anomalies between visits.

 

2. Corrective Maintenance

Warranty management: We liaise with manufacturers to fast-track claims and cover genuine defects.

Rectification work: On-site repairs or replacement of faulty modules, inverters, wiring or mounts.

Firmware updates: Keep your inverter’s software current for maximum efficiency and security.

 

3. Asset Performance Reporting

Generation data analysis: We review your output trends, identify dips and suggest optimisation opportunities.

Fault tracking & status updates: Logs every issue and tracks progress until resolution.

LGC reporting (if applicable): Prepares Large-scale Generation Certificate data for your compliance records.

 

What Happens After the Service?

Within 24 hours, you’ll receive the comprehensive report detailing every measurement, any findings and recommended rectifications. This snapshot of your system’s health becomes a reference point for future services, helping you plan upgrades, budget for repairs or simply verify that your solar investment is still delivering as it should.

 

How Do I Book Solar Panel Servicing and Stay On Top of Maintenance?

When you arrange a service like our Clean & Check Program, we’ll schedule your next inspection and send you a reminder when it’s due, so your panels never miss a check-up.

 

Solar Panel Servicing: Unlock Your System’s Full Potential With DS Energy

Ready to keep your solar panels delivering peak performance year after year?

By having regular professional solar panel servicing, you’ll combat the 15 to 20% efficiency loss caused by dust, leaves, bird droppings and sap, preserve manufacturer warranties, ensure safety and compliance, and extend the life of your entire system. Our DS Energy Clean & Check Program can restore peak performance and protect your investment. Ready to book? Contact us or call us on 07 3051 2051 to arrange your next inspection. We’ll even schedule your follow-up service and send you a reminder so your system never misses a beat. And for complete peace of mind, explore our blog posts on why you should update your solar system in 2025, and how to use solar panels in a power outage.