Are Random Solar PV Inspections Effective & Low Cost?

In addition to strong disincentives for sloppy and unsafe work, we need regular, trustworthy, and independent inspections of solar power systems. If done correctly, random Solar System inspections will be nearly equally successful at purging the industry of subpar installers as checking every system, while keeping the cost of solar PV inspections down.

Frequency Of Solar System Inspection Versus Cost

Every system does not need to be evaluated, and neither do new installers or those who have already shown they can perform a high-quality job. A challenging topic is determining the best compromise between inspection frequency and cost. You’ll need to dig up some old statistics approaches to accomplish that. Here, we’ll go over a few simple examples to show how random inspections may be both productive and economical.

It is not required for every new solar system to undergo an independent Solar System Inspection, but it would be better than the situation that exists in most of Australia right now.

Rooftop solar power systems in Australia have been randomly inspected a small number of times by the Clean Energy Regulator. These have the following issues:

• According to reports, between 3 and 5 percent of systems are examined.
• The evaluation of solar panel installations is frequently performed by the installers themselves rather than by qualified inspectors, hence the outcomes might be very different.
• Installers who deliver unsatisfactory or hazardous outcomes are not punished severely enough.

Despite having the power to suspend installations, the Clean Energy Regulator has only issued warning letters thus far. The findings from these inspections, which were carried out by the Clean Energy Council, have directly led to the suspension or revocation of certification for some solar installation companies. To close the gaps in the solar sector, however, neither the quantity of inspections nor the procedures put in place have been sufficient.

State and territorial power regulators should implement an impartial solar inspection regime backed by penalties, suspensions, and — in extreme circumstances where a subpar solar installer has had a clear chance to improve but has instead failed — complete bans from the business. When safety is not at stake, harsh punishments are not necessary. To help installers who may have been cutting corners, regulators should provide them with an opportunity to learn and grow. However, sanctions should be applied uniformly by a body that is both impartial and immune to corruption.

Justification for Using Occasional Checks

The cost of inspections for each new solar system is a downside. The cost of the new solar power system will rise as a result. Subpar installations will be eradicated. As no contractor would risk being found out, fined, suspended, or even banned if they were to perform work below standards.

Even if not all solar power systems are being tested, and the percentage is just about 80-85%, the inspections will still make sloppy performers nervous about being detected, and they will likely lower prices.

Suppose now that just half of all newly installed PV systems are really checked out. A solar installation could try to conduct a poor job without being observed, but the probabilities of being discovered are equal. Since inspectors can always double-check systems they missed the first time around, it would be very hard to conduct more than a few substandard jobs before getting caught. Consequently, a 50% inspection rate would offer about the same level of security as checking all systems, but at half the expense.

The cost might be as little as $25 if it is determined that checking only one in ten is enough to weed out incompetent installers. What a steal it would be for homeowners.

Bringing Down The Price Of Solar PV Inspections

Randomizing inspections is just one method for cutting down on expenses. Some of these methods include deploying drones, requiring questionable solar panel installers to give photos of their completed work, and so on. The requirement to inspect solar systems that have problems could be reduced with the installation of suitable monitoring systems that can detect and pinpoint the source of the problem.

Inspections at Random: Unquestionably a Victory

It is very difficult to make an educated guess as to what the optimal percentage of systems to inspect should be; however, one thing is certain: if done correctly, the number of random solar PV inspections that need to be carried out to ensure compliance with standards is likely to be much lower than the majority of people would anticipate. This is because it is very difficult to make an educated guess as to what the optimal percentage of systems to inspect should be. Families that purchase solar energy stand to gain a significant amount if we are successful in preventing substandard installations while still having affordable prices for solar panel maintenance. It will lead to the installation of solar power systems that are more dependable and will survive for a longer period of time, which will be to the benefit of the entire planet.

Concluding Words:

Sunburn Solar is a reputed solar power PV system provider in Australia. Our clients are our ambassadors and you will never find snobby work from our end. If you want a solar power system installed at your home at affordable prices with best quality, contact us and we will deliver as per expected standards. We also offer rebates as per solar panel Victoria program for eligible homes. Why wait? Get energy self reliant with Sunburn Solar.