The maintenance of a corporate PV system

Have you invested in solar energy and want to make sure that your PV system continues to efficiently produce renewable energy, guaranteeing self-consumption, with optimal results in the long term? Then PV system maintenance is essential and must be handled with care, by qualified operators who fully understand its dynamics and value.

The quality of the system components, together with advanced installation methods are certainly elements that impact the operation of a PV system and, consequently, maintenance by minimising any issues. In some cases, however, it is necessary to carry out routine maintenance e.g the cleaning of photovoltaic modules and repairing or replacing damaged elements.

The importance of maintenance

The constant technological upgrades in terms of both devices and installation methodologies currently determine the relatively long-life cycle of PV systems at more than two decades. However, it is crucial to consider that there are several causes that may contribute towards the deterioration of the system and, therefore, to the progressive loss of its efficiency:

• Wear and tear over time: the life-span of an installation can vary depending on the quality of components used and installation techniques. However, a natural loss of efficiency of the components over time must be considered.
• Weathering: weather phenomena, sometimes related to the installation site itself, may damage and alter the operation of the PV system.
• Component cleaning: PV modules can accumulate dirt, dust and other debris over time, which can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the cells leading to a loss of system efficiency.

Cleaning and maintenance of solar panels

It may seem obvious but regular cleaning of PV modules, commonly known as solar panels, is crucial to ensuring optimal efficiency. Dust, dirt, snow and other debris can reduce their ability to absorb sunlight, consequently reducing the amount of energy converted into electricity and the consequent performance of the PV system. Regular cleaning removes this obstacle, maximizing the energy efficiency of the system. Dirt and debris can also cause excessive heating of the panels, compromising their durability over time. Note that some manufacturers require regular cleaning of the PV modules in order to maintain a valid warranty. Ignoring such requirements may therefore result in loss of warranty coverage.

• Frequency of cleaning: The ideal frequency depends on local environmental conditions. In areas with low air pollution, a semi-annual cleaning may be sufficient. In more dusty or polluted environments, quarterly cleaning may be recommended. In mountainous areas which experience snowfall, it is important to remove any snow as soon as possible in order to avoid the formation of ice.
• Time of cleaning: cleaning should preferably be carried out in the early morning or after sunset when the panels are at their coolest, avoiding peak hours of solar radiation. It is better to choose a period prior to spring (depending on the region), which is when radiation increases.

Routine and extraordinary maintenance

Carrying out maintenance on a PV system is a legal obligation. The distinction between the two types of maintenance arise from the legislation itself. ‍

Maintenance includes “all works of repair, renovation and replacement of finishes of buildings and those necessary to integrate or maintain the efficiency of existing technological systems, provided that they do not involve alterations to the external appearance of the building and its accessories” (Art. 6, COMME 1, Presidential Decree No. 380/2001). Regarding the type of interventions to be carried out, a distinction can be made between:

• Routine maintenance of the photovoltaic system: this mainly involves the constant monitoring of the operating status of the system and its components, checking electrical connections up to the periodic cleaning of photovoltaic modules;
• Extraordinary maintenance of the PV system: concerns actions to be taken on an extraordinary basis, such as repairing damage to the modules and/or inverter, replacing them if necessary, checking additional components (storage systems and/or EV charger), and resolving anomalies revealed during monitoring. Extraordinary maintenance aims to restore the original efficiency of the system, ensuring that each part operates at its fullest capacity.

Why maintenance is important

Identifying and resolving potential problems early reduces the risk of major failures. With the help of experienced technicians (often those who were originally responsible for installing the system) an accurate diagnosis can be made, intervening before problems turn into costly emergencies.

• Verification of inverters: Inverters are crucial elements in the transformation of solar energy into “usable” electricity, that is, usable for our household or business needs. During maintenance, a technician performs a visual inspection of the inverters, checking for obvious damage or overheating. Next, check the electrical connections to make sure they are firm and free of corrosion. The data collected by the inverter monitoring system provides detailed information about the performance of the system. The technician analyses this data in order to detect performance variations, possible failures or other problems.

• Checking connections and cables: Careful checking of connections and cables is an integral part of routine maintenance. Damaged cables or loose connections and bolts can cause power loss and, if neglected, can lead to more serious failures.

• Inspection and replacement of defective modules: Photovoltaic modules may become damaged or defective over time, perhaps due to a sudden adverse weather event. Thorough inspection during routine maintenance can identify defective or damaged modules that may adversely affect power generation. The eventual replacement (extraordinary maintenance) of these modules is crucial to maintaining optimal performance.

• Checking storage batteries (if any): If the PV system is equipped with energy storage systems, routine maintenance includes checking batteries. Storage capacity is checked, wear and tear monitored and any damaged batteries are replaced.

In conclusion, well-performed maintenance significantly contributes to extending the useful life of the PV system and efficiency, ensuring years of reliable and renewable energy production, and reducing extraordinary interventions that can lead to costly bills.

‍If you are looking for an experienced company for the installation and maintenance of quality PV systems, trust Southenergy, a Puglia-based company operating in the renewable energy sector for 15 years. From the design and construction of turnkey PV power plants to the upgrading of pre-existing plants through repowering and revamping activities, Southenergy operates by fully preserving projects through critical activities such as O&M (operation and maintenance), due diligence, asset management and monitoring.

Discover the range of PV systems and the turnkey solutions that we have already provided to our clients: visit our website and find out more. 

Contact us (tel. +39 0831 33 15 94; email: info@southenergy.it), we will identify the best solution specific to your needs.