What is the difference between solar servicing and panel cleaning?

Solar servicing is an electrical safety and condition check. Panel cleaning is surface maintenance. A business can clean the glass without checking whether the electrical installation is safe.

Energy Safe Victoria specifically warns consumers to distinguish genuine solar servicing from operators whose service is effectively only panel cleaning.

How often should a Victorian solar system be serviced?

Energy Safe Victoria recommends having a solar PV system serviced at least every two years unless the installer or equipment manufacturer specifies a different maintenance schedule.

Older systems, systems exposed to harsh environments or installations showing faults may need attention sooner. A service interval is not a substitute for acting on an inverter warning, visible damage or an electrical safety concern.

What should a proper solar service check?

A competent service should assess the electrical installation rather than simply look at panel cleanliness. Energy Safe Victoria's guidance includes checks such as:

  • signs of deterioration, corrosion, heat damage or water entry;
  • solar switches and isolators;
  • visible wiring, cables, conduit and fittings;
  • inverter operation, warning lights, fault codes and accessible settings;
  • switchboard and solar shutdown or warning signs;
  • accessible rooftop equipment and DC isolator condition where relevant;
  • debris or other issues around equipment that could affect safe operation;
  • whether the system appears to be operating as expected.

The exact inspection and testing required depends on the installation and its age.

Who should service a solar system in Victoria?

Energy Safe Victoria says solar PV servicing should be performed by a licensed A-grade electrician, employed by a Registered Electrical Contractor. ESV also recommends using someone with current solar accreditation where possible.

If the work involves electrical repair or alteration, the appropriate Victorian electrical licensing and certificate requirements apply. Ask who the electrician and Registered Electrical Contractor are before accepting a generic “solar health check”.

Do solar panels need regular cleaning?

Not every system needs a paid cleaning schedule. Rain can remove ordinary dust from many pitched roofs, while bird droppings, heavy soiling, nearby industry, leaves or low-angle arrays can make cleaning more useful at some properties.

The important distinction is that cleaning is not proof that the inverter, isolators, wiring, switchboard connection or other electrical parts have been inspected.

What are warning signs in a “solar servicing” offer?

  • The business describes cleaning the panels as a complete electrical service.
  • It cannot identify the licensed electrician or Registered Electrical Contractor responsible for electrical work.
  • The checklist contains no inverter, switchboard, isolator, wiring or electrical safety checks.
  • It encourages the homeowner to climb onto the roof or operate electrical equipment to prepare for the visit.
  • It makes blanket claims that every system needs cleaning at a fixed interval regardless of site conditions.

What can a homeowner safely do?

Monitor generation, read the inverter app or display from a normal accessible location, keep records of faults and arrange professional assessment if output changes unexpectedly.

Do not climb onto the roof, remove covers, open isolators, inspect switchboard internals or touch damaged electrical equipment yourself. If you see damaged wiring, signs of overheating, water entry or another electrical hazard, keep clear and contact a licensed electrical professional.

For an ageing installation, see whether to keep, expand or replace an old solar system ↗.

Sources and further reading

Editorial references checked: 5 October 2026

Source labels identify who published each reference, not an independent endorsement. Confirm current requirements and exact product terms before purchasing.