Panels now cover rooftops on millions of Australian homes and small businesses, but one industry expert says too many systems are being left to age without the maintenance needed to preserve long-term electricity generation and savings, according to pv magazine.
The installation surge is still accelerating, with 2026 shaping up to be a record year as more households buy solar systems intended to keep operating for 25 years or longer.
Here’s what to know
Roughly 181,000 rooftop systems went up during the first half of 2026 — 35% more than during the same period in 2025 — for the strongest six-month result since 2021.
Australia also has more than 28 gigawatts of rooftop solar installed, the most per capita in the world, and roughly 36% of households have a system.
Andrew Barrington, founder and managing director of Solar Shine Australia in New South Wales, warned that the industry needs to pay closer attention to the systems already on roofs instead of concentrating only on adding new ones.
“We’re putting solar panels on just about every roof we can, but who’s checking whether they’re still working properly five years later?” he told the outlet.
For homeowners weighing the switch, going solar remains one of the best ways to save money on home energy. EasyHome‘s free explorer tool lets you see pricing and savings from vetted installers in your area.
Barrington noted that weak inspection and maintenance programs can keep existing systems from providing the performance, financial returns, and service life owners expect.
“We don’t need to keep replacing things that could have been maintained,” he added. “We need to start treating solar like the valuable infrastructure it is.”
More background
Damage, missed upkeep, and hidden faults can reduce output and cut a system’s useful life short, Barrington said, even though rooftop solar panels are typically expected to operate for at least 25 years.
Solar Shine Australia said some of the most common problems are dirt buildup, loose wiring, cracked panels, and monitoring equipment that may be installed but not checked.
The company explained that physical module damage can raise the risk of moisture ingress and ongoing deterioration, reducing reliability and performance over time.
Barrington said the consequences extend beyond energy production to safety concerns and waste.
“Like anything we want to last for decades, it needs to be maintained,” he remarked. “Identifying and rectifying minor faults early saves production levels, expensive repairs when the faults stack up or cause a major issue and prevents risk of fire/electrocution.”
He also cautioned that taking solar equipment out of service early because of poor maintenance could strain the recycling sector and send more panels to landfill.
What can be done?
Along with pushing for more proactive inspection and maintenance, Barrington said the industry still has an education problem.
In his view, consumers, installers, manufacturers, and solar sales teams all need a better understanding that “solar is low maintenance, not no maintenance.”
That discussion is headed to All Energy Australia 2026 in Melbourne, where Barrington is set to chair a panel called Maximising Solar Asset Performance Through Maintenance, Monitoring & Stewardship.
The session will bring together maintenance specialists to share practical lessons and examine how solar asset owners can get more from their systems.
For households considering solar or upgrades, EasyHome‘s free explorer tool makes the process fast and easy. EasyHome also covers backup battery storage — pairing solar with a battery allows you to maximize savings and power your home when the grid goes down.
Barrington said one of the first steps is to challenge a long-running myth about rooftop panels.
“For 25 years this rumour has been circulating that solar is no maintenance, self-cleaning or the rain cleans solar panels … that is simply not true.”
Where can I learn more?
Getting the most from rooftop solar doesn’t end with installation. For more, these stories cover panel maintenance, expanding solar access in Australia, and the mistakes and myths that can shape what homeowners get from their systems.
• Routine checks and basic rooftop maintenance can keep solar output and savings from slipping.
• Homeowners are still battling misinformation about rooftop solar that clouds upkeep and savings decisions.
• Solar buyers who carefully review contracts can avoid costly installation and financing mistakes.
• Understanding how rooftop arrays work can help households spot problems earlier.
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