Unexpected storms, heat, dust, and wind can blow a solar system off course. If you are examining the warning signs before calling Middle Swan Solar, this guide will assist you in identifying the faults, determining the probable solution, and knowing when a repair is not an option but a requirement. It will also enable you to learn what warning signs must not be overlooked.
By 31 December 2025, there were over 4.29 million PV installations in Australia, and the Clean Energy Council estimates that there were 4.3 million rooftop PV households and 28.3 GW of rooftop PV in the country. By the end of 2025, the cumulative rooftop capacity in Western Australia alone will be 3.10 GW. Small faults still impact savings.
Perth weather puts a strain. In March 2025, the Bureau of Meteorology documented destructive wind gusts in and around Greater Perth, with Gooseberry Hill recording a 113 km/h gust in severe thunderstorms. The loose mounts, broken glasses, water intrusion and defective wiring must be addressed immediately after harsh weather.
Big cracks are conspicuous. Microcracks are not. According to the IEA PVPS, most cell cracks are invisible to the naked eye and may become evident later as snail tracks, photobleaching, or delamination. It further observes that the cracking can be caused by hail, strong wind, transport, installation stress, and operation.
The remedy is related to severity. If a crack poses a risk of moisture, hot spots, or safety issues, it is often wiser to replace it than to patch it. A fix that merely covers the damage is not a fix.
The panels are the first to blame among many homeowners, and the trouble often manifests in the inverter. Among the most frequent causes, listed by government guidance, for systems to cease working as intended are inverter faults. Monitoring applications also tend to alert you to inverter error conditions before you notice a reduction in production.
Not all the inverter alert signs imply that the inverter is malfunctioning. Others are due to grid voltage or wiring moisture, or loose connections. Heavy rain should not be followed by a red light. It might require testing before anyone decides whether the unit needs a reset, repair, or replacement.
It is in this place that a little issue becomes a big issue. In the 2023 financial year, Energy Safe examined 53 fires involving rooftop solar and reported that most of them would have been prevented through servicing. It also found moisture on DC isolators to be a significant contributory factor to solar PV system fires. To you, water staining around cables, frequent trips, faulty insulation, or inverter shutdowns is an urgent matter. According to Australian advice, one should get their repairs done by a certified electrician.
Perth homes are not necessarily in need of continual cleaning. The Australian Government notes that a slope of at least 10 degrees is likely to remain clean during rain. However, dust, dirt, leaves, and bird droppings can block light, especially in dusty areas. Output can also be cut in the long run by the shade provided by growing trees.
Wash that which is safe for a qualified professional to handle, reduce shade sources, and recheck monitoring data. Solar Victoria recommends regular maintenance of systems to keep them efficient and that most local homes be serviced by a professional every two years.
It should be more than just a part replacement during a proper repair visit. Middle Swan Solar indicates that a performance check should examine the panels, inverters, wire, and energy production. The sequence of fault-finding is generally as follows: verify the symptom, isolate the probable part, check electrical safety, compare actual performance with expected performance, and decide whether to clean, repair, or replace.
Immediately call in case you notice any of the following:
The Australian Government cautions that a solar system remains energised even when your mains power is off, and that it can deliver an electric shock and/or electrocution. This is one of the reasons why rooftop electrical repairs are not a DIY project.
