Solar Power System Aftercare & Maintenance Guide (NZ Edition)

Solar power systems don’t need much - but they’re not totally hands-off either. Think of it like servicing a bike, not maintaining a jumbo jet. 

For most homeowners, it's just a quick check of your monitoring app now and then, keeping an eye out for inverter warnings, and giving your panels a clean every year or so.

This guide covers what solar aftercare involves, why it matters, how to clean your panels, and what to do if something’s not working.

Why Maintenance Matters

Your panels might be built tough, but neglect will chip away at their performance, and your savings.

• Dust and debris act like a dirty pair of sunnies, blocking sunlight and lowering energy output.
• Lichen is a solar panel's worst enemy - it can grow into the surface of panels and shorten their lifespan.
• Bird nests under panels? Cute in theory, but they’re a serious fire hazard.
• Then there’s warranty. Many manufacturers require proof of maintenance if you ever make a claim. No records? No luck.

Bottom line: a little upkeep keeps your solar system running strong and your power bill nice and low.

Cleaning Your Solar Panels

How often should you clean solar panels?

In New Zealand, cleaning frequency depends on where you live and what’s around you. If your panels are tilted at least 10°, the rain will do a decent job of self-cleaning them. A proper scrub might only be required every 2 years. But if you're near the coast, under trees, or in a dusty or bird-heavy area, it’s worth giving them a clean at least once a year.

If your system’s performance takes a noticeable dip, or there’s visible grime or mess (hello seagulls),don’t wait. Give them a scrub. 

Also: check your warranty - some require regular cleaning or your coverage could be voided.

DIY Cleaning Tips

You’ll need:

• A soft brush or non-abrasive sponge
• Pure water (ideally, not tap water)

Steps:

• Gently brush off any loose debris
• Use pure water and a soft brush to clean the panels, don’t use any chemicals or cleaning detergents.
• Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.

Safety Tip: We’ve heard the stories… a quick clean turning into a rooftop tumble. If your panels are hard to reach, just hire a pro.

Other Maintenance Checks

Whether done yourself or by a pro, here’s what else to keep an eye on:

• Is the system generating the expected solar output?
• Is the inverter functioning properly?
• Are the panels, mounting, cabling, and conduit still intact?
• Any birds or bugs nesting underneath?

Aftercare & Support From Solar Experts

Installer Packages Vary

Some solar companies disappear after install day. Others offer full service packages with check-ins, maintenance, and cleaning - usually a few hundred dollars per year. Worth it if you’re not keen on roof climbs or troubleshooting.

Tip: Always ask upfront what aftercare is included.

Follow-Up Calls

Ideally, your installer checks in once the system goes live to make sure everything’s humming. If you went with the cheapest quote, this might not be part of the deal - but it should be.

If your installer doesn’t offer ongoing support, don’t stress - plenty of third-party pros do.

Third-Party Solar Maintenance Providers

Your original installer doesn’t have to handle the check-ins and maintenance - consistency is nice, but not essential.

Luckily, there are pros out there who live and breathe solar upkeep - and may even do a better job of aftercare than the original crew.

Recommendation: For the guys currently setting the standards in the third-party solar maintenance, check out Eco Shine, NZ’s go-to for professional panel cleaning and maintenance.

Ben From Eco Shine - Cleaning Solar Panels

How much does solar maintenance and solar panel cleaning cost?

The cost for an annual or bi-annual solar maintenance package typically ranges from $150 to $350 for a residential solar power system.  This price will depend on a few factors:

• Length of travel to your location
• Roof accessibility
• Solar power system size
• Frequency between cleans and check ups

What to Do if you think your Solar Power System Isn’t Performing Or Not Working at all?

Step 1: Check Your Monitoring App

Look for alerts or sudden drops in performance. Remember: cloudy days and winter months naturally reduce output. Generation mid-winter can be close to half the generation compared to mid-summer. But if it’s sunny and your system’s lagging — time to dig deeper.

Step 2: Do a Visual Check

Look for new shading (like fast-growing trees), dirt or bird mess, or a flashing inverter.

Step 3: Contact the Right People

• Your Installer – Start here. If your system’s under warranty, checks should be free.
• The Manufacturer – If the installer’s vanished, most manufacturers have service teams or approved techs.
• A Third-Party Tech – SEANZ-approved technicians can diagnose issues if the first two aren’t available.

Dispute Resolution

If you’ve hit a wall, SEANZ’s dispute resolution service may be able to help - but only if your installer or manufacturer is a SEANZ member. Yet another reason to choose SEANZ-approved providers.

Conclusion

Solar power systems don’t demand much - but a little care goes a long way. Clean panels, regular checks, and knowing who to call if something’s off will keep your system humming and those savings rolling in.

Stay on top of your solar game, and it’ll keep delivering the goods for decades.