As the solar industry continues to grow and government initiatives encourage home and business owners to adopt renewable energy, questions about costs and post-installation maintenance remain largely unanswered.

While there is plenty of education around the benefits of solar energy, many people are unaware of the importance of proper maintenance, cleaning, and protection. Failing to address these factors on time can lead to costly issues and efficiency loss.

In this article, we sit down with Andrew Barrington, founder of Solar Shine Australia (SSA), one of our partners in NSW. He shares valuable insights on the evolving solar market, the challenges of post-installation care, and why education is key to ensuring long-term performance and protection—especially when it comes to maintenance and bird-proofing solutions.

What does Solar Shine do?

Since 2018, Solar Shine have specialised exclusively in solar panel cleaning, solar inspections and solar bird proofing. We don’t offer pressure cleaning, gutter cleaning, or solar installations. We are one of the few companies in the country dedicated entirely to solar panel maintenance services.

What made you focus on this instead of offering other services?

Our approach is simple—by focusing exclusively on solar panel cleaning, inspections and bird proofing, we can be the best at what we do: refine our expertise and deliver the highest quality results. This is our core focus, and we take pride at being the best in the industry.

What are your main target markets?

Our primary focus is the residential market, where we typically complete up to 12 bird proofing jobs per week. While our commercial projects are generally smaller in scale, they remain a steady part of our business.

That said, we also pursue larger commercial opportunities. For example, we recently bid on a major project in Sydney requiring 30,000 meters of solar bird proofing, where the solar installer included us in the tender process to provide a bird proofing solution along with their installation.

Do you think that solar panel companies are starting to understand the need to include your services as part of their offering?

Some of them, yes. We work with a range of installers. Some we’ve partnered with for over five years, while others are new. However, many are still hesitant to introduce this service as part of their sales as they fear reaction from their end customers due to pricing or other concerns.

How come?

Since it’s an additional expense, many solar companies focus on how customers can break even within a certain period when pitching their products. Ongoing maintenance, such as annual cleaning or bird-proofing, is often overlooked because it adds extra costs—sometimes ranging from $700 to $2,000—which can make closing a sale more challenging.

However, some installers genuinely prioritise the long-term benefits for their customers, recognising that proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity. While the industry is competitive and fast-paced, there is a growing awareness among professionals who see the value in offering comprehensive solutions beyond just installation.

What is the biggest reason why customers contact you for solar panel protection?

The number one complaint we hear is about noise. Birds start making noise as early as 4 AM, which leads customers to reach out. However, we also educate them about other issues they might not have considered. Bird droppings are toxic, and infestations can lead to bird lice. Blocked gutters can cause leaks, and worst of all, nesting materials like sticks, leaves, and grass under solar panels create a serious fire hazard. Many people don’t realize these risks until it’s too late.

What happens after installing solar panels?

The biggest issue is that people don’t know what’s happening under their panels or what to watch out for. Most only realize there’s a problem when it’s already severe.

That’s why we emphasise in a proactive approach rather than a reactive one. If ignored, bird-related issues can lead to costly repairs—sometimes requiring panel removal, roof cleaning, and reinstallation, which can cost thousands.

By installing a protective solution like Vexo’s Solarguard from the start, homeowners can save significant money in the long run.

Do you think government-backed education on post-installation maintenance would help?

Absolutely. Anything that raises awareness would be beneficial.

When we first started, people accused us of being scammers—saying solar panels didn’t need cleaning or maintenance. For the first three years, our main focus was education, not just selling the service. We worked hard to shift that mindset, but there’s still a significant knowledge gap.

More education, whether through government initiatives or industry efforts, would greatly benefit both customers and the solar industry.

When you visit customers, do you provide case studies or show past installations?

Yes, we created an app specifically for installers.

The goal is to equip them with the information they need to discuss solar panel protection with customers in real time.

The app also serves as an educational tool, explaining the risks, solutions, and product details. This not only helps customers but also ensures installers understand the importance of solar panel protection.

Would you say Vexo products are specifically engineered for Australian conditions?

Yes, absolutely. Vexo products are UV-resistant, including the nylon clips, which ensures longevity in the harsh Australian climate. Another major advantage is our warranty. When customers buy from overseas suppliers, warranties can be unreliable or non-existent.

With Vexo, they get a six-year warranty from an Australian company they can actually contact if issues arise. That peace of mind makes a big difference.

What are your goals for the future?

The market is currently flooded with low-cost providers, some offering prices so low that it’s unsustainable—especially for businesses that operate properly with insurance and other high-quality products.

Our priority is quality over price. We don’t cater to customers looking for the cheapest option—we serve those who value durability, expertise, and long-term solutions. We don’t overpromise with unrealistic lifetime warranties; instead, we emphasise genuine value.

We position Vexo at the top of industry standards, focusing on value over unrealistic lifetime warranties. Education is key to our approach.

 

Conclusion

At Vexo, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by our expert industry partners, such as Solar Shine Australia, allows us to provide better support and solutions tailored to their needs.

As Andrew from Solar Shine Australila highlighted, we also see education as a crucial role in ensuring a seamless post-sales process. When customers are informed about proper maintenance and potential risks, they can take proactive steps to protect their investment and their health. By prioritising safety and long-term care, home and business owners can avoid costly issues caused by lack of awareness and delayed action.

At Vexo, we remain committed to raising industry standards, offering durable and effective bird-proofing solutions, and supporting both installers and customers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.