How often should solar PV be serviced?
A periodic inspection every one to two years is typical for domestic systems, with commercial arrays often checked annually. Follow the manufacturer's and MCS guidance for the system.
MCS MIS 3002
Solar PV & Battery Service Record
A solar PV service record documents the periodic inspection and maintenance of a solar PV array and any battery storage, confirming the system is safe, secure and generating as expected.
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Periodic inspection of PV systems follows the approach in IEC 62446, covering the array, the d.c. and a.c. circuits, the inverter and the protective devices, while MCS guidance and manufacturer instructions set out what a maintenance visit should include for the panels and the battery.
TradePlanr lets you record the visual inspection, test results and generation data on site and produce a clear PDF service record, so the owner has evidence the system is being looked after.
What it covers
- Property and customer details plus the system location
- Array details, inverter and battery make, model and serial numbers
- Visual inspection of panels, fixings, cabling and isolators
- String open-circuit voltage and operating current readings
- Insulation resistance results for the d.c. circuits
- Inverter operation, error log review and generation figures
- Battery state of health and charge settings where fitted
- Engineer details, signature, date and next service due
When it's required
Solar PV systems should be inspected and serviced periodically, typically every one to two years for domestic systems and more often for commercial arrays, to catch loose fixings, damaged cables, failing isolators and underperformance early.
Battery storage adds its own checks, from state of health to charge settings and ventilation, and manufacturers expect maintenance in line with their instructions to keep warranties valid.
A dated service record also supports insurance, landlord obligations and resale, showing the system has been maintained by a competent person since it was commissioned.
How to issue it in TradePlanr
- 1
Enter the system details
Record the property and the array, inverter and battery details, including serial numbers, pulling them forward from the commissioning record where it exists.
- 2
Inspect and test the system
Work through the visual inspection of panels, fixings and cabling, then log string voltages, operating currents and insulation resistance results.
- 3
Check the inverter and battery
Review the inverter display and error log, record generation figures, and log the battery state of health and settings where storage is fitted.
- 4
Sign and store the PDF
Capture the signature, set the next service date, generate the PDF service record and store it against the property alongside the commissioning certificate.
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Frequently asked questions
What tests are carried out on a PV system?
A service typically includes a visual inspection plus string open-circuit voltage, operating current and insulation resistance tests, following the periodic verification approach in IEC 62446.
Does battery storage need servicing too?
Yes. The visit checks the battery's state of health, charge settings, connections and ventilation in line with the manufacturer's instructions, and records any firmware or settings changes.
Can I complete the record on site?
Yes. TradePlanr lets you record the inspection, test results and generation data, capture the signature and produce the PDF at the property.
Related certificates
Solar PV & Battery Commissioning Certificate
Commissioning records for solar PV arrays and battery storage to MCS and BS 7671.
Heat Pump Service & Maintenance Record
The annual service and maintenance record for air and ground source heat pumps.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
The periodic inspection report for existing installations, with observations and codes.