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How often should my solar and battery be checked, and what can I do myself?

Short answer. Owners can safely look at the unit from where they stand, listen for unusual noise, keep the area clear and check the app. Cleaning covers, tightening, resealing and electrical checks are for a licensed electrician. Sigenergy suggests checks every three to six months; GoodWe suggests every six months, with more detailed checks at 6 to 12 months and yearly.

Safety first. Do not use water, alcohol or oil on the unit, and do not open covers. Never open a switchboard, remove a cover from your battery or inverter, or touch any wiring. Anything beyond the app, a light you can read from a safe distance, or your own router is a job for a licensed electrician. If you see smoke, smell burning, hear arcing or see water on or near the unit: keep everyone away, switch off at your main switch only if it is safe to do so, and call 000 if there is any fire or smoke.

What you can do

  1. Every few weeks, open the app and check nothing is flagged under Notice, Service or Alarm.
  2. Every six months, look at the unit from where you stand: is it undamaged and undistorted, and can you hear any unusual noise?
  3. Check around the unit is clear of rubbish, boxes and plants, so air can move. GoodWe lists checking for debris and blocked air paths every 6 months.
  4. Test your safety switches every six months (see our safety switch guide).
  5. Keep the system connected so we can see it, and write down anything odd with the date.

What is left to us

  • Sigenergy: its manual lists checking and cleaning the decorative cover every three months with the power off, checking for damage and listening for noise every six months, and not using wire brushes or wet towels.
  • GoodWe: checks of the heat sink, air intake and outlet, whether the equipment is secure, whether cables are connected and undamaged, and whether terminals and ports are sealed, at six months to a year. GoodWe says unauthorised dismantling is strictly forbidden.
  • If a battery is not used for a long time or is not full, GoodWe recommends charging it regularly.
  • Panels and the roof: we do not give do-it-yourself instructions for climbing or hosing panels. Ask us at your next visit.

Maintenance also keeps your records current. If it has been a while, book an inspection and we will look at everything properly.

Read more: Sigenergy batteries and GoodWe batteries from Sun Connect Solar

When to call us

If we installed your system, call us on 0483 903 020. Our service help for existing customers is free: we start by working through it with you by phone. If you are not yet a customer, a service call is $250 + GST, which covers one hour on site within 20 km of Mullumbimby; travel further out is quoted separately. Contact us or call 0483 903 020 (Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-4pm).

Quick questions

Do I need a yearly service?

The manufacturers set out regular checks. We are happy to do an inspection for you, and for existing customers our service help starts with a free call.

Can I clean the battery cover?

Sigenergy says to clean it with the power off, so please leave it to us. Never use water, alcohol or oil.

Can I hose down my panels?

We do not give do-it-yourself panel cleaning advice. Ask us.

What should I note down?

The date, time and what the app and lights showed.

Sources

Last checked 6 October 2026. Only the manufacturer’s, the network’s or the government’s own documents are used; app menus change between versions, so if your screen looks different, call us rather than guess.

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