Q: Peter, for those who aren’t familiar, can you tell us about Solar Service Guys, now part of Omnidian, and what sets you apart in the solar industry?

Peter Matthews:
Absolutely. Solar Service Guys have been at the forefront of solar maintenance and repairs in Australia for over 19 years. In 2024 alone, we completed over 17,500 site visits across the country. This number is a true testament to the trust businesses and property owners place in us to keep their systems running safely and efficiently. We don’t just dabble in maintenance; it’s our core business. We’re the specialists people call when they want their solar investment protected by true service experts.

Q: Can you talk more about the acquisition of Solar Service Guys by Omnidian earlier this year? What does this mean for your clients, and how does it change your offering?

Peter Matthews:
The acquisition by Omnidian is a game-changer for our clients. We’re now part of a global leader in solar asset management which means we can offer a true one-stop shop for everything, from routine servicing to advanced performance monitoring. It’s important to understand that O&M is a completely different skill set from selling and installing solar. Retailers focus on getting systems on roofs, but ongoing care, troubleshooting, and optimising performance require a whole different level of expertise. That’s where we come in—we’re not just another solar company; we’re dedicated to making sure your system delivers for the long haul.

Q: Many businesses see solar as a set-and-forget investment. Why is this mindset risky?

Peter Matthews:
It’s a common misconception, but it’s a dangerous one. Solar is a strategic asset—just like any other critical infrastructure in your business. If you don’t maintain it, you’re not just risking a drop in performance; you’re exposing your business to unexpected costs, equipment failures, and even safety hazards. We see it all the time: systems that were installed and then ignored, only to underperform or break down years before their time. The reality is solar needs ongoing attention to deliver the returns you expect.

Q: What are the most common issues you see when commercial solar systems aren’t maintained?

Peter Matthews:
The list is longer than most people realise. Inverters are a big one—they can quietly fail or degrade, dragging down your system’s output for months before anyone notices. Wiring and connectors are also vulnerable, especially in Australia’s harsh climate. Salt air, heat, and even wildlife can cause damage that leads to dangerous overheating or electrical faults. And then there’s panel efficiency: dust, bird droppings, and storm debris can cut your energy production by up to 30%. These issues are often invisible from the ground, but they add up fast.

Q: Some business owners think skipping maintenance saves money. What’s the real cost of neglect?

Peter Matthews:
It’s a false economy. The money you “save” by skipping maintenance is nothing compared to what you’ll lose if your system fails. We’ve seen businesses hit with massive repair bills, lost production, and even voided warranties because they didn’t have a maintenance plan. In some cases, a single wiring fault has shut down operations or created a serious safety risk. Regular maintenance is a tiny fraction of your original investment, usually just 1–2% of the system’s cost per year. But it protects you from much bigger losses.

Q: How does a structured maintenance plan protect a business’s bottom line?

Peter Matthews:
A good maintenance plan is like an insurance policy for your solar investment. Scheduled inspections catch wear and tear before it becomes a problem. Professional cleaning keeps your panels operating at peak efficiency. We also check inverters, wiring, and mounting to make sure every component is safe and compliant. It’s about maximising your returns and minimising risk, year after year.

Q: What’s your advice to business owners who want to future-proof their solar investment?

Peter Matthews:
Don’t treat solar as a one-off project. Make maintenance part of your business strategy from day one. Partner with a provider who understands your goals and can offer end-to-end support—not just installation, but ongoing asset management. The businesses that get the most from solar are the ones that see it as a long-term partnership, not a transaction. With the right plan, your solar system will keep delivering reliable, safe, and profitable returns for years to come.

Q: Final thoughts—what’s at stake for businesses that ignore solar maintenance?

Peter Matthews:
You’re not just risking lost savings—you’re putting your entire investment, and the safety of everyone on your premises, in jeopardy. Neglecting solar maintenance can lead to system failures, fire hazards, and compliance issues that endanger your people. The cost of inaction is simply too high. Maintenance is the key to unlocking the full value of your solar investment and ensuring a safe environment for all building occupants.

Want to learn more about building a maintenance plan that fits your business? Reach out today: https://www.omnidian.com.au/contact-a-sales-executive/