Maintaining a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is crucial for ensuring its longevity, efficiency, and reliability. Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of the system and also maximizes energy production therefore leading to greater financial return. Maintenance reduces environmental impact.
Here we point out some key aspects to consider when maintaining solar PV systems:
Regular Inspections
Visual Checks: Regularly inspect your solar panels for physical damage such as cracks and also chips, or discoloration. Check for any debris, dirt, or leaves that might be obstructing sunlight.
Structural Integrity: Ensure the mounting structures are secure and free from rust or other signs of wear. Tighten any loose bolts or fasteners.
Electrical Components: Inspect the wiring, connectors, and inverters for signs of wear, corrosion, or animal damage. Look for exposed wires and ensure all connections are secure.
Cleaning
Frequency: There’s a common misconception that solar panels need frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance. However, the truth is quite the opposite—you don’t need to clean your solar panels as often as you think.
Solar panels are designed to be self-cleaning to a certain extent. When it rains, most of the dirt and dust that accumulates on the panels is washed away naturally. This means that, in many cases, regular rainfall is sufficient to keep your solar panels clean and functioning efficiently. However, In certain situations, such as having panels in a particularly dry area (where dust and bird droppings may build up) or where the panel tilt is less than about 5 degrees, cleaning is recommended to ensure an efficiently generating system.
Moreover, cleaning solar panels can be risky, as climbing onto your roof poses safety hazards. Leave this job to professionals with the right tools and expertise to clean your solar panels safely without causing any damage.
Studies have shown that the difference in efficiency between dirty solar panels and clean ones is minimal—usually less than a 5% decrease in energy production. However, a more significant drop in efficiency is needed to justify the risks involved in cleaning the panels yourself.
Understanding that you don’t need to clean your solar panels frequently can save you time, effort, and potential safety concerns. Trust in the design of your solar panels to withstand normal weather conditions and continue generating clean energy for years to come.
Proper care and attention can ensure your solar panels’ efficiency and longevity. We’ve covered everything from regular cleaning and inspection to troubleshooting common issues. Regular maintenance is key to optimising your system’s efficiency and detecting potential problems early on.
Methods: Use a soft brush or sponge and water to clean the panels. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the surface. In areas with hard water, use distilled water to prevent mineral deposits.
Safety: Always prioritize safety whenever cleaning, especially on rooftops. Use appropriate safety gear and consider hiring professionals for large or hard-to-reach installations.
Monitoring Performance
System Monitoring: Utilize monitoring systems to track the performance of your solar PV system. Many modern systems come with online monitoring capabilities, allowing you to check energy production in real-time.
Performance Metrics: Keep an eye on key performance indicators such as daily energy output, efficiency rates, and also system downtime. Sudden drops in performance can indicate potential issues.
Annual Performance Review: Conduct a comprehensive annual performance review. Compare the actual performance data with the expected performance to identify any discrepancies.
Professional Maintenance
Scheduled Servicing: Engage professional solar technicians for scheduled maintenance. They can perform detailed inspections, diagnostics, and repairs that are beyond the scope of regular checks. Contact Us
Inverter Maintenance: Inverters typically require more frequent maintenance than solar panels do therefore ensure that the inverter is operating within its specified parameters and has adequate ventilation.
Warranty and Service Contracts: Keep track of warranty periods and consider extended service contracts for professional maintenance and repairs.
Environmental Considerations
Shading: Ensure that trees or other obstructions are not casting shadows on the panels. Trim nearby vegetation as necessary.
Weather Protection: In areas prone to severe weather, such as hail, ensure that the solar panels are adequately protected. Consider installing hail guards or other protective measures if necessary.
Record Keeping
Maintenance Logs: Maintain detailed records of all inspections, cleanings, and maintenance activities. This helps in tracking the system’s history and identifying recurring issues.
Performance Records: Keep records of performance metrics and maintenance reports. This data is valuable for assessing the system’s health over time and making informed decisions about upgrades or repairs.
Upgrades and Technological Advances
Efficiency Improvements: Stay informed about technological advances in solar PV technology. Upgrading to more efficient panels or inverters can enhance system performance.
Energy Storage: Consider adding energy storage solutions, such as batteries, to store excess energy generated by the system. This can increase energy independence and improve overall efficiency.
Maintaining a solar PV system requires a combination of regular inspections, cleaning, performance monitoring, and professional servicing. By adopting a proactive approach to maintenance, you can ensure that your solar PV system operates at peak efficiency, providing sustainable and cost-effective energy for years to come.
Here below is our recommended maintenance schedule
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE | ||||
| Customer | Contractor | |||
| Intermediate | Full | |||
| Visual check of modules from ground level (check for slipped modules, damage, soiling etc) | √ | √ | √ | |
| Visual check of inverter where safe access (check for indication of fault or damage) | √ | √ | √ | |
| Recorded generation is increasing | √ | √ | √ | |
| Visual check for signs of structural distress (particularly after heavy winter snow) | √ | √ | √ | |
| Reduce shading from vegetation growth where possible | √ | √ | √ | |
| AC and DC isolators (Functional check damage and ingress) | √ | √ | ||
| DC junction boxes where present (Damage and ingress) | √ | √ | ||
| Integrity of fuses and surge protectors where present | √ | √ | ||
| Generation in line with prediction | √ | √ | ||
| Inverter(s) mounted securely | √ | √ | ||
| Inverter(s) ventilated (Unobstructed airflow, fans operating etc) | √ | √ | ||
| Externally mounted inverters free of signs of water ingress | √ | √ | ||
| Inverter fault log(s) | √ | √ | ||
| AC voltage at inverter(s) and assess risk of overvoltage | √ | √ | ||
| DC connectors (Secure, free of damage, supported away from pooling water) | √ | √ | ||
| Clean modules (Particularly where shallow pitch and dusty environment) | √ | √ | ||
| Test DC circuits (Vsc, Isc, Earth leakage) | √ | √ | ||
| Cables adequately supported and free of damage | √ | √ | ||
| All labelling & signage present and correct (Including system schematic) | √ | √ | ||
| Emergency shutdown procedure visible | √ | √ | ||
| Module clamps secure (Check torque of random sample) | √ | |||
| Mounting rails secure and free of distortion (Including fixing brackets) | √ | |||
| String series resistance test | √ | |||
| String insulation resistance test (Riso) | √ | |||
| Potential Inducted Degradation test | √ | |||
| Thermographic survey for faulty components and module cells | √ | |||
| Frequency | ||||
| Domestic Privately Owned customer checks | monthly | |||
| Intermediate checks by competent contractor | Annually | |||
| Full checks by competent contractor | Every 3 Years | |||
These Images below show Maintenance & Testing checks on Solar PV Panels
