5 Signs Your Solar and Battery System Needs Servicing

An electrician in safety gear repairing a solar panel on a tiled roof.

There’s a growing interest in solar installation in Perth, which is heavily influenced by Australia’s transition to renewable energy consumption. This is due to the solar and battery system’s ability to keep your home running smoothly while saving energy costs. Because of this, there are solar companies established to encourage this move.

However, maintaining this setup may require expert knowledge of its risks and hazards based on minor issues. As such, regular checkups from qualified electricians are needed to keep the system running smoothly. In addition, property owners need to be aware of the five common signs their system needs servicing.

5 Indicators of a Faulty Solar and Battery System

Even the most reliable solar and battery in Perth can develop issues when not maintained or repaired. Spotting early warning signs can help prevent small faults from becoming costly problems. Here are five indicators of a faulty system:

1. Energy Output Drop

One indicator of a faulty solar system is the gradual decline of solar energy production, despite its ideal orientation for solar irradiance. This drop is often caused by panel soiling, inverter inefficiency, shading, or battery performance degradation. For this reason, regular solar servicing should be performed to identify causes promptly.

For instance, panel cleaning, electrical balancing checks, and performance monitoring should be done to detect anomalies. Other things to check out include:

  • Dirty or shaded panels
  • Inverter warning lights or unusual display messages
  • Decrease in daily kWh output
  • Battery output testing showing lower-than-expected storage/retrieval rates

Addressing these issues promptly ensures your system continues to run at its peak efficiency and delivers the energy savings you expect. For property owners considering solar installation in Perth, staying proactive with maintenance is the best way to maximise your investment.

2. Battery Not Holding Charge

There’s nothing more frustrating than having your stored energy deplete when evening comes. This issue more often stems from battery capacity fading, faulty Battery Management Systems (BMS), or internal cell degradation. If left unaddressed, a faulty battery system can lead to safety hazards and risks.

In fact, ABC News reported that more than 450 fires in Australia have been linked to lithium-ion batteries. Because of these concerns, connecting with professional Perth electricians to conduct thorough battery diagnostics and capacity assessments should be done. At times, experts may also recommend rebalancing cells or replacing the battery if it has degraded significantly.

3. Unusual Noise or Smell 

That faint hum or hint of something burning often points to inverter fan failure, loose wiring, voltage imbalances, or overheating components. Ignoring these signs can invite electrical faults or potential safety hazards. For this reason, conducting regular electrical inspections for your property helps you detect hidden issues early and prevent costly damage.

As such, it’s best to call local electricians near you who are trained to handle solar and battery systems. Their expertise ensures that problems are identified accurately and resolved before they escalate into serious risks. Relying on nearby professionals also means quicker response times and peace of mind knowing your system is in safe hands.

4. Frequent System Shutdowns

According to the Western Australia Government, solar systems under 5 kW need to be fitted with technology that allows providers to remotely switch them off periodically for grid stability. However, frequent system shutdowns may indicate an overheating inverter, communication faults, software glitches, or stress from the climate.

Fortunately, modern solar and battery systems come with diagnostics, error codes, and automatic shutdowns to protect system components. Despite these technological advances, proper maintenance procedures should be done. Partnering with a professional team for solar installation in Perth ensures these tasks—such as decoding error logs, performing firmware updates, and thermal inspections—are carried out correctly. In addition, electricians should also ensure the correct ventilation and airflow of the system for its own stability and performance.

5. Visible Damage

Cracked panels, corroded wiring, and swollen battery casings are the most telling signs of a faulty solar and battery system. These issues are not purely cosmetic; they signal hidden issues with the component that need to be checked. As such, technicians conduct panel checks, wiring corrosion treatment, and preemptive part replacements to maintain performance and safety.

If components such as solar panels are found to be beyond repair, replacing the component is the most practical solution to restore efficiency. This is where solar installation in Perth comes in handy. By upgrading damaged parts with expert help, property owners can extend the life of their energy system and enjoy reliable, sustainable power.

Get All-Around Solar Services at SolArk Electrical

Solar and battery systems can show early warning signs that need to be addressed. Catching on to these signs early keeps your solar and battery system running safely and efficiently for longer. With proper servicing from experts in solar installation in Perth, you can maximise energy output, extend system lifespan, and enjoy consistent savings.

SolArk Electrical is your go-to team of expert electricians for reliable inspections, repairs, and solar installations in Perth. With over 10 years of experience in solar and electrical services, we provide tailored support to keep your system efficient, safe, and compliant. For more information, contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to common questions that property owners may need to consider when availing themselves of solar and battery repair and services:

How do I keep my solar battery healthy?

You can extend the life of your solar battery by avoiding draining its capacity and maintaining a consistent charge cycle. You can also schedule regular servicing with electricians to check for performance and safety issues. Keeping the system clean, cool, and well-ventilated also extends its battery life.

Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?

Yes, existing solar systems can be upgraded with a battery. A licensed installer will assess your inverter type and system capacity to ensure compatibility. Adding a battery also enhances energy independence and lets you store excess power for nighttime use.

Can a solar battery be repaired?

In some cases, solar batteries can be repaired if the issue involves wiring, connectors, or software calibration. However, severe damage, such as internal cell failure, requires replacement. 

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