Looking after your solar system

Solar needs relatively little routine attention, but you should leave handover knowing how to recognise normal operation and where to get help. Follow the instructions supplied for your actual equipment.

Observe the system, do not work on it

Where an app or display is supplied, ask for a demonstration and access at handover. Check the output from time to time against the installer’s estimate, remembering that weather and season affect generation. A single cloudy day is not a useful test of annual performance.

Ask what the normal display looks like and how to record an alert. Do not open equipment enclosures, change electrical settings, disconnect cables or attempt repairs. Use a Registered Electrical Contractor for electrical work.

What about cleaning?

The need depends on the site, exposure and manufacturer guidance. Do not climb onto the roof to inspect or clean panels yourself. Ask the installer whether professional cleaning or inspection is needed and what it would involve. There is no universal cleaning interval in this guide.

Keep equipment access and any ventilation clear as specified in the handover instructions. Do not assume the same instructions apply to every inverter or battery model.

Keep the useful documents together

• Completion records: the applicable electrical certificate, commissioning and network connection records, plus any grant completion documents.
• Equipment details: the supplied models, datasheets, manuals and warranty documents.
• Safe operation: the system’s safety, shutdown and maintenance instructions, explained by the installer.
• Performance and support: the generation estimate, monitoring access where supplied, support contact and agreed service terms.

Keep the invoice and agreed scope too. For SEAI supported work, ask for the contractor’s safety file and confirmation of the required grant evidence. Our grant guide explains the separate claim process.

Read the actual warranty terms

Panel product, panel performance, inverter, battery and workmanship cover are not interchangeable. Check duration, conditions, exclusions, registration requirements and who handles a claim. Ask whether callouts, labour or replacement work are included rather than assuming they are.

Get advice when something changes

Contact the installer about a persistent alert, an unexpected sustained change in output, visible damage or planned roof or electrical work near the system. Describe what you noticed, when it started and the alert shown. Take a photograph only from a safe position.

Do not assume every reduction in output means a failed panel. The installer needs to assess the equipment and conditions. Do not repeatedly reset equipment to make an alert disappear.

If there is smoke, fire or immediate danger, keep away and call 112 or 999. Do not wait for a website reply.

For an Infinite Energy installation, contact our team and mention that your enquiry concerns an installed system. Ask about the available support and any charges before arranging a visit.