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Spring Time for Preventive Maintenance
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s also essential for your solar system! After enduring harsh winter conditions like snow, ice, and rain, solar panels and their components can suffer from wear and tear. A routine inspection and maintenance check ensures that your system is in top shape as we move into the sunnier months.
**Why does this matter for owners and investors?**
The peak generation period for solar systems typically runs from April to September. Any unexpected downtime during this time can lead to significant revenue loss for the owner. For financiers, maintaining system efficiency is crucial to ensuring a steady return on investment.
Here’s a look at typical seasonal performance for ground-mounted solar systems in the Northeast US:
**What’s included in a planned maintenance visit?**
Planned maintenance involves several key steps designed to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.
**Step 1 – Visual Inspection and Repair**
We start with a thorough visual check of all components. This includes:
- Checking wire management for damage or wear, which could lead to dangerous arc faults.
- Inspecting structural parts for loose bolts, rust, or corrosion.
- Cleaning filters on inverters and ventilated equipment to prevent overheating.
- Removing nests and debris from panels, racking, and enclosures, and sealing any entry points to prevent future infestations.
- Ensuring that all weather instruments are clean, properly positioned, and functioning.
**Step 2 – Diagnostic Inspection and Repair**
Some issues require more advanced tools and techniques:
- Using infrared scans on electrical connections to detect overheating or poor continuity.
- Conducting aerial infrared scans of the entire array to identify hotspots or cold spots quickly.
- Performing IV curve tracing to pinpoint the root cause of performance issues.
**Step 3 – Performance Testing**
Finally, we verify that the system is operating at its best:
- Confirming that the data acquisition system is reporting correctly.
- Reviewing annual performance data to spot any deviations from expected output. Tools like performance ratios or regression tests help determine if the system is meeting its design goals.
**What should you do before the maintenance visit?**
It’s best to monitor your system throughout the year so that small issues don’t turn into major problems. Monthly performance reports can be a great way to track how your system is doing.
For some repairs, it may be more cost-effective to schedule them during your next maintenance window. This helps reduce costs by minimizing unnecessary site visits.
By staying proactive with maintenance, you not only protect your investment but also maximize your energy production and long-term returns.
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Spring Time for Preventive Maintenance