Ensuring your solar photovoltaic (PV) system operates efficiently over its lifetime requires consistent and proactive Operation & Maintenance (O&M) practices. Effective O&M can prevent system failures, optimise energy generation, and extend the life of your investment. Here are some of the best practices recommended by industry experts.
1. Health & Safety First: Safety is paramount when working on rooftop solar systems. It is crucial to follow best practices for safe access, including regular risk assessments and ensuring all maintenance staff are trained and certified to work at height. Clear RAMS (Risk Assessment Methods Statements), should be in place for every project to prevent accidents and ensure the protection of all workers on-site.
2. Regular Inspections & Monitoring: Routine inspections are essential for identifying issues before they become major problems. Regular monitoring, especially through the use of remote systems and drones, ensures that any faults in the system are detected early. Drones can also be employed for thermal imaging, allowing for precise fault identification without compromising safety.
Some key aspects of ongoing monitoring and inspections include:
4. Compliance with Insurance and Warranty Requirements: Failing to maintain your system properly can void warranties and invalidate insurance policies. Most insurers, as well as manufacturers, now require regular documented maintenance to ensure compliance. This includes routine checks of all components, ensuring that warranties remain valid and that you are covered in the event of a system failure.
5. Fire Safety and System Longevity: A well-maintained PV system significantly reduces fire risks by ensuring that electrical components remain in good condition. Regular inspections help identify potential hazards such as faulty wiring or overheating components. Moreover, addressing wear and tear early extends the system’s life, preventing costly repairs.
1. Health & Safety First: Safety is paramount when working on rooftop solar systems. It is crucial to follow best practices for safe access, including regular risk assessments and ensuring all maintenance staff are trained and certified to work at height. Clear RAMS (Risk Assessment Methods Statements), should be in place for every project to prevent accidents and ensure the protection of all workers on-site.
2. Regular Inspections & Monitoring: Routine inspections are essential for identifying issues before they become major problems. Regular monitoring, especially through the use of remote systems and drones, ensures that any faults in the system are detected early. Drones can also be employed for thermal imaging, allowing for precise fault identification without compromising safety.
Some key aspects of ongoing monitoring and inspections include:
- Checking panel alignment and ensuring there are no visible cracks or damage.
- Monitoring inverter performance to ensure it matches expected output.
- Regular cleaning of panels to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, which can reduce efficiency.
4. Compliance with Insurance and Warranty Requirements: Failing to maintain your system properly can void warranties and invalidate insurance policies. Most insurers, as well as manufacturers, now require regular documented maintenance to ensure compliance. This includes routine checks of all components, ensuring that warranties remain valid and that you are covered in the event of a system failure.
5. Fire Safety and System Longevity: A well-maintained PV system significantly reduces fire risks by ensuring that electrical components remain in good condition. Regular inspections help identify potential hazards such as faulty wiring or overheating components. Moreover, addressing wear and tear early extends the system’s life, preventing costly repairs.
