How long do solar panels last?

Premium solar panels carry a 25-year product and performance warranty. Most quality panels from brands like REC, LONGi, Jinko, and Canadian Solar are expected to last 30+ years with less than 0.5% annual output degradation. After 25 years, a quality panel should still be producing at least 80–87% of its original rated output.

When should I consider replacing my solar panels?

Consider replacement if: your panels are showing physical damage (cracks, delamination, or severe discolouration), a thermal inspection reveals hot spots or cell damage, your system output has declined beyond normal degradation rates, or panels installed before 2010 are underperforming compared to modern equivalents. Upgrading to modern 400W+ panels can significantly increase total system output.

Can I mix new and old solar panels?

Mixing panels of different brands, wattages, or ages in the same string is generally not recommended — mismatched panels can cause the lower-performing panel to drag down the whole string’s output. If replacing individual panels, we match specifications as closely as possible. For whole-system upgrades, we typically recommend a full replacement for maximum performance.

What panel brands does Ares Energy install?

We install panels from leading manufacturers including REC, LONGi, Jinko Solar, Canadian Solar, and others on the CEC approved product list. Modern panels range from 400W to 440W+ per panel, with efficiencies of 20–23%. We recommend panels based on your roof space, budget, and performance goals.

Can I claim rebates when replacing solar panels?

Whether you can claim STCs depends on whether the replacement constitutes a new system installation or a like-for-like repair. If you are expanding system capacity, the additional capacity may generate new STCs under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). Our team will assess your specific situation and advise on any available rebates.

NETCC approved seller

Solar Panel Replacement Perth WA

Q: Do I need to replace all my solar panels if one is damaged in Perth?

Not necessarily. In most cases only the damaged panel needs replacing. However, compatibility is critical. The replacement must match your existing string's electrical characteristics. Our Perth solar electricians assess compatibility before sourcing any replacement.

Q: Are hail-damaged solar panels covered by home insurance in Perth?

Many Perth home insurance policies cover hail damage to solar panels. We provide detailed written inspection reports and photographs that document the damage. This is the documentation insurers typically require to process replacement claims.

Cracked, broken, or hail damaged solar panels can reduce system performance and create long-term electrical safety risks. Ares Energy & Electricals provides professional solar panel replacement services across Perth, WA, carried out by expert Perth electricians and SAA accredited solar installers. We assess panel condition and compatibility before any replacement is recommended, ensuring your system is restored to full performance safely and compliantly.

Book panel inspection Call 1300 717 583

NETCC approved SAA accredited installer ARC certified

Warning signs

What Are the Signs Your Perth Solar Panels Need Replacing?

Solar panels are built for durability, but physical damage or long-term degradation in Perth's high UV environment can require replacement. All replacement work must be performed by an expert and accredited installer to maintain warranty eligibility and grid connection compliance. Solar panels are also backed by Australian Consumer Law guarantees (ACCC).

Cracked Solar Panel Glass

Visible glass damage compromising panel integrity and allowing moisture ingress

Broken Solar Panel Frames

Structural frame damage affecting mounting integrity and panel stability

Hail Damaged Solar Panels

Impact damage from severe weather events causing microcracks

Burn Marks or Hot Spots

Thermal damage indicating internal cell failure or electrical fault

Water Ingress Under Glass

Moisture inside the panel causing internal corrosion and degradation

Visible Delamination

Panel layers separating and peeling, reducing output and lifespan

Not all damaged solar panels stop working immediately, but performance and safety can decline over time.

Our solutions

How Does Solar Panel Replacement Work in Perth?

Damaged Solar Panels Assessment

Before we replace solar panels, we carry out structured testing to confirm whether replacement is necessary.

This includes:

Visual damage inspection
Output comparison testing
String voltage analysis
Mounting integrity review
Compatibility check with inverter

Accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary replacement.

Technician conducting structured panel damage assessment

Hail Damaged Solar Panel Replacement

Hail damage can cause microcracks that are not immediately visible but reduce long-term performance.

We:

Identify affected panels
Verify electrical safety
Replace damaged modules
Match new panels to existing configuration
Retest system performance

Proper replacement ensures the system remains balanced and compliant.

Hail damaged solar panel being assessed and replaced

Cracked & Broken Solar Panel Replacement

A cracked solar panel or broken glass can allow moisture intrusion and internal corrosion.

We replace:

Broken solar panels
Solar panel glass cracked by impact
Panels with structural compromise

All replacement work is completed by expert solar electricians to ensure electrical safety.

Expert electrician replacing cracked solar panel glass

Replacing Solar Panels Correctly

Replacing solar panels is not just about swapping modules.

We ensure:

Voltage and current matching
String configuration alignment
Inverter compatibility
Mounting alignment
Compliance with Australian standards

Incorrect panel matching can reduce system efficiency.

Panel compatibility and string configuration assessment

Repair vs Replacement

When is Solar Panel Repair Possible?

Not every issue requires a full panel swap. Understanding the difference helps you make the right decision.

Repair May Be Possible

Minor wiring or connector faults
Inverter configuration issues
Loose mounting or minor frame issues
Shading or soiling performance loss

Replacement Usually Required

Cracked or shattered glass
Hail-induced microcracks
Severe delamination or burn marks
Water ingress and internal corrosion

Unsure which applies to your system? A professional inspection will confirm the right approach.

Learn about our Solar Fault Finding & Diagnostic Services

Why us

Why Choose Ares Energy for Solar Panel Replacement in Perth?

NETCC Approved Seller

Verified and approved by the National Energy Consumer Code Committee.

5+ Years of Industry Experience

Extensive experience in solar panel replacement and corrective work.

SAA Accredited Installer and ARC Certified

Recognised SAA accredited installer and ARC certified, meeting required Australian standards for installation and safety.

Compliance-First Approach

All panel replacements use Clean Energy Council approved products and meet current Australian standards and safety requirements.

Structured Damage Assessment

Systematic testing to confirm replacement necessity before work begins.

Full System Testing After Replacement

Complete system verification and performance testing after panel replacement.

Honest, Clear Advice

We explain what we find, what needs fixing, and what can wait, giving you the information to make informed decisions.

Corrective Work Experience

Extensive experience correcting and upgrading systems originally installed by others, including non-compliant work.

Any Brand, Any Installer

We Replace Panels Installed By
Other Providers

Many replacement jobs involve systems originally installed by other companies. We assess, correct, and restore regardless of who did the original work.

Book a panel inspection

Mismatched Panel Upgrades

Incompatible panels degrading overall system performance

Non-Compliant Installations

Correcting work that does not meet Australian standards

Improper Mounting

Structural installation issues identified and corrected

Inverter Mismatch Issues

Panel and inverter incompatibility causing performance loss

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Replacement in Perth

Note: if you are replacing panels as part of a larger system upgrade, the federal STC rebate applies and reduces each year. The 2026 deeming period is shorter than 2025. See the Clean Energy Regulator for scheme details, or call 1300 717 583 to understand current rebate eligibility for your upgrade.

Can a cracked solar panel still work in Perth's climate?

A cracked panel may continue producing power temporarily, but in Perth's humid coastal areas the cracked glass allows moisture ingress that leads to corrosion, delamination, and electrical risks. Perth's intense UV also accelerates degradation in compromised panels. We recommend inspection to determine whether the panel is safe to leave in service or requires urgent replacement.

Do I need to replace all my solar panels if one is damaged in Perth?

Not necessarily. In most cases, only the damaged panel needs replacing. However, compatibility is critical. The replacement panel must match the electrical characteristics of your existing string. Mismatched panels reduce overall string performance. Our Perth solar electricians assess compatibility before sourcing any replacement, ensuring your system remains balanced and compliant.

Are hail-damaged solar panels covered by home insurance in Perth?

Many Perth home and contents insurance policies cover hail damage to solar panels. Coverage depends on your insurer and policy terms. We provide detailed written inspection reports and photographs that document the damage, which is the documentation insurers typically require to process replacement claims. Contact us to discuss assessment and documentation for your insurance claim.

How do I know if my solar panels are actually performing as expected?

In Perth with its average 5.5 peak sun hours, a well-performing 6.6kW system should generate 25–30kWh on a clear summer day. Compare your inverter monitoring data with the previous year or your system's rated output. Visible cracks, hot spots, discolouration, or spider-web patterns are also physical indicators. If you don't have monitoring, our performance test during a maintenance visit will confirm whether your panels are generating correctly.

What brands of replacement solar panels do you use in Perth?

We source quality Tier 1 replacement panels with appropriate performance warranties for Perth's conditions. The priority is finding a panel that is compatible with your existing system's electrical characteristics, not simply the newest or cheapest available. Contact us on 1300 717 583 to discuss replacement options suited to your specific system configuration.

Can I replace solar panels myself in Western Australia?

No. Solar panel replacement involves live DC electrical work, roof-level mounting, and system testing that must be carried out by an expert solar electrician in Western Australia. DIY solar electrical work is illegal, voids warranties, and creates serious safety and insurance risks. Ares Energy & Electricals hold all required Western Australian Electrical Worker Licences and SAA accreditation for this work.

How does Perth's high UV affect solar panel lifespan?

Perth has one of the highest UV indices in Australia, which accelerates encapsulant yellowing, backsheet degradation, and junction box wear in solar panels. This is why quality panels with appropriate warranty terms for Australian conditions are essential. Regular maintenance helps identify early-stage UV-related degradation before it causes significant performance loss or electrical safety issues.