When you install a solar PV system, it’s easy to assume that once it’s running, the job is done. The reality? That’s just the beginning. As solar adoption in South Africa grows rapidly, a concerning trend is emerging: many systems are installed but then left unattended. And over time, this neglect comes at a price.
If you’ve invested hundreds of thousands into a solar solution, shouldn’t you be sure it’s working at its peak? Unfortunately, too many systems aren’t. And the consequences are silently adding up: lower performance, safety risks, and insurance issues.
You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Monitor
Here’s a common scenario: a business installs solar, sees some initial savings, and then… stops paying attention. No routine checks. No performance benchmarking. No oversight on warranties or compliance documents. Months, or years, pass before anyone realises something’s wrong.
We recently audited a solar installation where a single faulty string connector was causing a 15% drop in production. That’s a chunk of savings lost every month, simply because no one checked.
An unchecked system isn’t just inefficient, it’s also risky.
Solar Performance Isn’t Static
South Africa’s solar conditions are excellent, but that doesn’t guarantee constant performance. Your system’s efficiency depends on multiple changing factors:
- Panel degradation (natural and damage-related)
- Inverter firmware and settings
- Battery depth of discharge settings (should be set differently for winter and summer)
- Wiring and fuse health
- Dirt, shading, or positioning issues
These issues are rarely visible until your electricity bill creeps back up, or your inverter throws an error. And if your business is trying to forecast energy costs, that unpredictability is a headache.
Insurers Are Paying Attention (So Should You)
Major insurance providers are increasingly scrutinising solar installations. If a fire or electrical fault occurs and your system doesn’t meet current standards, you could face reduced payouts, or none at all.
That’s why AWPower’s Solar Systems Audit isn’t a service, it’s also your safety net. Developed with input from a leading insurance group SANTAM, our audit ensures your system is:
- Designed and installed to national standards
- Backed by documented signoffs, CoCs and SSEG approvals
- Maintained regularly to prevent costly faults
We even include a 60-point Risk Analysis Scorecard to give you a clear, objective view of how your system stacks up.
Small Fixes, Big Gains
We’ve conducted audits that uncovered simple oversights, like incorrectly set inverter parameters or outdated battery firmware, that once corrected, led to significant savings.
In one residential case, updating the inverter’s time-of-use settings resulted in an additional R1 200 in monthly savings. That’s a 20-minute fix with a year-long return.
Seasonal Shifts Matter
A lot of South African solar systems were sized and set up based on summer usage patterns. But winter’s shorter days and higher heating loads change the game.
An audit ensures your system adapts with you:
- Is your system correctly sized for winter demand?
- Are you storing enough battery power overnight?
- Are your panels clean and receiving optimal sun exposure?
You wouldn’t run a business without tracking key performance metrics. Why treat your solar investment any differently?
The Audit Advantage
Whether AWPower installed your system or not, our Solar Systems Audit gives you peace of mind and practical next steps. It includes:
- Comprehensive 60-point scorecard
- Safety, performance, and compliance review
- Insights into potential savings or risks
Even better? If you subscribe to an AWPower Maintenance & Support Agreement, and your system was not installed by AWPower, we’ll include the full on-site AWPower Systems Audit with a 60-point scorecard in the planned annual on-site visit at the start of your plan.
Make Your System Work Harder
Your solar system should be a silent asset: efficient, safe, and consistently delivering savings. If you’re unsure whether it is, we’re here to help.
Book your audit. Fix the issues. Reclaim your returns.