Preparing Your Solar System for Tasmanian Autumn: Maintenance Tips

With autumn coming to Tasmania, it’s the perfect time to give your solar system a health check. Here are our top tips to keep your panels performing throughout the cooler months.

1. Clean those panels — autumn brings leaves and pollen, both of which can reduce efficiency by up to 25%. Hose down flat surfaces or use a soft brush for tilt-mounted systems. Tip: morning’s the best time as panels are cool.

2. Check for shading — trees shed leaves but branches might now block your array. Prune back any growth at least a metre from panels and inverters to maintain full sun exposure.

3. Inspect connections — cooler temps can cause expansion/contraction in wiring. Look for loose or damaged cables around the inverter, battery (if you have one), and main junction box. Tighten anything that feels wobbly but don’t overdo it.

4. Test the backup — if you’ve got a hybrid system with inverter backup mode, run a test outage now while conditions are mild. Switch off your grid supply at the meter base to see whether solar takes over seamlessly (it should within seconds). Note: never touch this switch without training or an electrician present.

5. Review your monitoring — log into your dashboard and check all 5-minute data is flowing freely. Fix any gaps now before winter’s lower output makes troubleshooting harder.

By spending a few hours on these checks, you’ll ensure maximum generation when energy prices typically peak in autumn. Plus, catching issues early keeps costs down compared to emergency callouts.

Published by Solar Generation Tasmania. General information current as at publication — rebates, tariffs and prices change, so confirm current figures before deciding.