As Australia’s solar PV fleet continues to mature, a business dedicated entirely to maintaining existing solar assets says stewardship, not simply installation, will define the next chapter of the country’s renewable energy journey.
While installation has traditionally dominated the conversation around Australia’s solar sector, Solar Shine Australia said the industry must now focus on lifecycle management, preventative maintenance and the principles of a circular economy.
Andrew Barrington, founder and Managing Director of Solar Shine Australia, which specializes in panel cleaning, inspections, monitoring and preventative asset management for residential, commercial, and large-scale solar systems across New South Wales, said protecting the value, performance and lifespan of the solar systems already powering homes, businesses and communities is where the industry’s greatest opportunity lies.
“Australia has done an incredible job building one of the world’s largest rooftop solar fleets. The next challenge isn’t simply installing more solar, it’s looking after the systems we’ve already invested billions of dollars into,” he said.
“Every year we can safely extend the life of a solar system means more clean energy generated, a better financial return for its owner and less material entering the waste stream. That’s what solar stewardship means.”
