Solar system care tips for homeowners

Many solar owners aren’t aware that simple issues like damp, overloading, or missing paperwork can lead to system failures or even void your warranty and insurance claims. With unpredictable weather on the rise and appliances working harder than ever, knowing how to care for your solar setup is more important than ever. These practical tips will help you protect your investment and avoid costly, preventable damage.

Protecting against water damage

Solar panels are designed to handle outdoor conditions, but your inverter and batteries need extra protection from water and other liquids. Even small amounts of moisture can lead to corrosion, electrical faults, or system failure – and in most cases, this type of damage won’t be covered by your manufacturer’s warranty.

Simple steps to stay dry and damage-free:

• Check the setup location: Make sure your inverter and batteries are still in a weather-protected, well-ventilated space – especially if you've done any home improvements or moved things around.
• Inspect after storms: Look for signs of leaks, rust, or water pooling near the system, especially after heavy rain.
• Avoid accidental splashes: Be mindful when carrying drinks or cleaning products near your equipment, and never use a hosepipe or water-based cleaning products around it.
• Watch for warning signs: If your system suddenly becomes noisy, shows error messages, or stops working unexpectedly, it could be moisture-related. Don’t delay calling your installer. 
• Regular visual checks can prevent expensive repairs down the line and keep your solar savings on track.

Avoiding Overloads

Your solar system is designed to support your home’s electricity needs, but like any power source, it has limits. Running multiple high-consumption appliances at the same time, such as your geyser, oven, and pool pump, can push your system beyond its capacity, particularly during power outages. This can cause your system to trip, excessive battery drain, or long-term strain on your inverter.

Understanding how and when you use electricity is key to getting the most from your system.

Smart habits to prevent overloads:

• Stagger heavy appliance use: Try not to run multiple energy-intensive devices at once, spread them out over the day where possible to protect your system and also increase your savings.
• Monitor your usage: Use your system’s monitoring app to track what’s drawing the most power and when.
• Pay attention to alerts: If your system is beeping, flashing, or sending you notifications, it’s trying to tell you something.
• Watch your battery levels: If they’re draining faster than expected, it could be a sign you’re using more power than your system can sustainably support.

With a few adjustments to your daily routine, you can reduce wear on your system and keep everything running efficiently.

Are you insured?

A solar system is a major investment in your home and like any valuable asset, it should be properly protected. Storms, surges, theft, and even accidental damage can leave you with costly repairs or replacement bills if you're not adequately insured.

Many homeowners assume their solar system is automatically covered, but this isn’t always the case. It’s important to double-check the details of your policy.

What to confirm with your insurer:

• Is your solar system specifically listed on your policy? Some insurers require it to be itemised, especially if it was added after your initial cover.
• Are all risks covered? Look for protection against theft, fire, lightning strikes, storm damage, and power surges.
• Do you have the right documents? Keep your installation invoice and supplementary Certificate of Compliance (CoC) on hand in case you need to submit a claim.
• Are battery and inverter replacements covered? These are often the most expensive components to repair or replace.

Making sure you’re fully covered gives you peace of mind and ensures your savings don’t disappear in the event of the unexpected. Your solar system was built to work hard for your home. With a few smart habits and regular checks, you can make sure it keeps delivering the performance and savings you signed up for.