7
Conducting Maintenance and Troubleshooting Activities
PV systems require periodic maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operations over the long-term, and to maximize performance. Although most PV systems usually require little maintenance, a maintenance plan ensures that essential service is performed on a regular schedule. Maintenance helps identify and avoid potential problems that affect system functions, performance, or safety. When problems do occur, a systematic troubleshooting process is used to diagnose and identify the problems, and take corrective actions. All PV systems require some maintenance. A maintenance plan includes a list and schedule for all required system maintenance and service, such as: • • • • • •
7.1
Inspections of components and wiring systems Evaluation of structural attachments and weathersealing Cleaning and removing debris around arrays Performing battery maintenance Conducting electrical tests and verifying performance Replacement of damaged or failed system components
Perform Visual Inspection
Visual inspections of the complete system should be performed with regular maintenance, similar to the initial inspection prior to commissioning. The main difference is that during maintenance inspections, the code compliance aspects of the system do not necessarily need to be evaluated, as the equipment would not normally have been changed. However, the integrity of the electrical installation must be carefully evaluated for deteriorating effects over time, due to the site conditions, or even for poor quality components or damage for outside influences. Visual inspections and observations are supplemented Figure 108. Inspect PV arrays for any signs of physical damage, such as impacts or fractures. with electrical tests and measurements to fully verify system integrity and performance. PV modules should be visually inspected for signs of any physical damage, including bent frames or broken glass. See Fig. 109. Modules with fractured or damaged laminates will eventually admit moisture and develop high leakage currents, and should be removed from the array and replaced. Most PV modules use tempered glass, which shatters into small pieces when stressed or impacted. Physical damage may be quite obvious in the case of impacts, but fractured glass in a PV module may not be clearly evident from a distance.
Obvious impact damage 2011 Jim Dunlop Solar
Less obvious fractured glass Cells, Modules and Arrays: 5 - 111
Figure 109. Inspect PV arrays for any signs of physical damage, such as impacts or fractures.
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