After installation: monitoring, maintenance and warranties

What your app actually shows

Many inverter apps show generation but not household consumption. Measuring imports, exports and home use may need additional metering installed at the switchboard.

Ask the installer to explain each energy flow and demonstrate that readings make sense. Incorrect meter configuration can produce misleading savings figures.

Check trends, not one cloudy day

Compare output over similar weather and seasons. A sudden persistent drop, repeated faults or missing data deserves a check, but an internet outage does not necessarily mean the solar system has stopped generating.

Enable supported fault notifications. Ask who receives them and whether monitoring is included in your service agreement or simply available for you to review.

Keep a handover folder

Save documents somewhere you can access even if you change phones or the installer closes.

• Exact product models and serial numbers
• Commissioning and electrical compliance documents
• Grid connection and export settings
• Warranty documents and registration confirmations
• Operating instructions, shutdown procedure and maintenance schedule
• Contact details for installation and product support

Read warranty limits

A panel's performance warranty is not the same as its product warranty. A battery warranty may include retained capacity, throughput or operating conditions. Labour, transport and associated electronics may have different coverage.

Ask whether VPP use, internet connectivity or later expansion changes the terms. A long warranty headline alone does not tell you how a claim will be handled.

Maintain safely

Follow the manufacturer's schedule and use qualified people for inspection and servicing. The Clean Energy Regulator recommends an annual battery safety check by an SAA-accredited licensed electrician.

Do not open equipment, touch wiring or climb onto the roof to investigate a fault. For smoke, fire or immediate danger, move away and call emergency services on 000.