Managing Solar Panels on Rental Properties
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) advises Landlords and Property Managers of their legal responsibility to make sure all electrical equipment supplied on their rental property is electrically safe, including solar energy systems.
To ensure they are safe, they must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor. An inspection, maintenance and reporting plan should be a part of the tenancy agreement.
Tenants must inform the landlord or property manager if they suspect the solar panels aren’t working properly, are damaged or are a safety risk.
Installation
To keep solar energy systems in good, safe working order it’s important to have them maintained regularly.
Consistent exposure to weather including UV from sunlight, rain and wind will cause components to deteriorate or become damaged over time, which could create an electrical or fire safety risk.
Dust and debris also gradually build up on solar panels which may affect how the system performs.
Maintenance
The maintenance of electrical installations in Queensland, including solar energy systems, must be done by licensed electrical contractors. It is best to choose an electrician who specialises in solar. Often these electricians will be accredited as solar installers by the Clean Energy Council.
How often your solar energy system needs maintenance will depend on the site conditions, the age of the system and when maintenance was last performed.
More regular maintenance may be needed for systems which are close to the ocean due to higher wind and salt deposits which may increase corrosion. The same applies to areas with more vegetation or dust panels.
Talk to your electrician for a recommendation on maintenance frequency. REIQ recommends that a solar energy system should be inspected at least once a year. In between inspections you should still monitor the performance of your system, especially after storms and contact an electrician if you have concerns.
After maintenance is performed on your solar energy system you should keep a copy of the maintenance checklist completed by the electrician for your records. Keep the checklist with your warranty information for the system as it may assist you with any future claims.
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