Spring cleaning isn't just for your home—it's essential for your solar panels too! After enduring winter's harsh elements like snow, ice, and rain, solar systems need regular checks and maintenance to keep them running at their best. Ensuring these systems are in top shape before the sunnier months arrive is critical.
Why does this matter for owners and investors? The peak solar generation period runs from April through September. Any unexpected downtime during this time can result in significant lost revenue for the owner.
Take a look at the typical performance of ground-mounted solar systems in the Northeastern U.S.:
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What exactly happens during routine maintenance? Planned maintenance typically includes several key steps:
Step 1 – Visual Inspection and Repairs
We carefully inspect the system for any visible wear and tear caused by weather, pests, or debris. Key areas of focus include:
- Checking wire management for integrity; broken wires can lead to dangerous arc faults or fires.
- Examining structural parts for loose hardware and signs of corrosion.
- Cleaning filters on inverters and other ventilated equipment to avoid overheating and degraded performance over the summer.
- Removing pest nests and debris from modules, racks, and equipment enclosures, and sealing any entry points to prevent future invasions.
- Verifying that all weather monitoring instruments are functioning correctly, clean, and properly aligned.
Step 2 – Diagnostic Inspection and Repairs
Some problems require more advanced diagnostics using specialized tools:
- Infra-red (IR) scans of all major electrical connections to ensure proper continuity and eliminate overheating risks.
- Aerial IR scans of the solar array, which quickly and thoroughly detect hotspots and cold spots, enabling targeted follow-up repairs.
- IV curve tracing to pinpoint the exact source of issues identified by IR scans.
Step 3 – Performance Testing
The final and most crucial part of maintenance is verifying system performance. We check:
- Whether the data acquisition system (DAS) is providing accurate reports.
- Annual performance metrics to identify any shortfalls compared to expected output. Tools like performance ratios or regression tests help assess how well the system is meeting its goals.
What Should Be Done Before the Maintenance Visit?
Ideally, the system should be monitored consistently throughout the year to address emerging issues promptly. Monthly performance reports also serve as valuable tools to confirm that the system remains on track.
That said, some repairs might be more economical to schedule alongside the planned maintenance visit. This strategy helps reduce operational costs by minimizing unnecessary service calls.
In conclusion, regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your solar installation but also maximizes its efficiency and profitability—benefits that every owner and financier will appreciate.
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