Czechs neglect solar servicing: 42 percent of PV systems have never been inspected

Czechs are underestimating the need to service their solar power plants. Owners of more than 42 percent of photovoltaic systems in the country have never arranged a professional inspection after installation. Most nevertheless consider regular servicing important. This follows from an IPSOS survey for energy company E.ON. Around 240,000 photovoltaic power plants are currently connected in Czechia. Experts say neglecting maintenance can lead to lower system performance and, in extreme cases, a fire hazard.

"The survey highlights a major paradox in Czech photovoltaics. People realise that servicing is important, but in practice they put it off. Most often because the plant is still operating without an obvious problem, or because they do not know how often it should be inspected," said Lukáš Paur, head of household energy solutions at E.ON Energie.

The most common reason why owners do not address solar servicing is that their systems have so far operated without problems. This was admitted by 42 percent of respondents. Another 30 percent did not know how often a power plant should undergo a professional inspection. Around a fifth of those surveyed cited the cost.

However, willingness to change this approach is high, according to the survey. Three quarters of PV owners would consider regular servicing if it helped them prevent expensive repairs or a decline in system performance.

Experts have long warned that neglecting the servicing of PV systems can result in a noticeable decline in equipment performance, reduced lifespan and, in extreme cases, a fire hazard. The survey showed that solar plant owners are aware of these risks. They are most concerned about overheating and loose connections, which can lead to fire. Nearly 40 percent of respondents are concerned about declining panel performance and the associated financial losses from electricity generation. Other concerns include inverter problems or hidden faults that are not visible at first glance.

E.ON says this is also confirmed by practical experience. The most common problems affecting household PV systems include inverter failures, battery degradation, installation errors and environmental factors such as moisture, dust and high temperatures.

According to the company, the survey also revealed a structural weakness in the market. Nearly half of PV owners do not have a regular service partner, or only arrange servicing when a problem arises. Six percent of respondents said their original installation company no longer exists.

The survey was conducted at the turn of March and April and involved 500 owners of photovoltaic power plants.