Maintenance of Solar Photovoltaic System

Tools Required for Operation & Maintenance

Tools Required for Operation & Maintenance
 Cleaning the Solar Panels Periodically
• Clean solar panels from dust, bird droppings, pollen, leaves,

branches, snow.

• Use water to clean the accumulated dust in the panel.

• Undertake cleaning activity during when the sunlight is low

(early morning or after sunset) to avoid interruption in power

generation.

• Clean modules periodically as per specification and document

the date of cleaning.

 Cleaning the Solar Panels System Periodically
Weekly Maintenance

• Clean PV array from dust, birds drop

• Use clean water and avoid hard water

• Observe battery state of charge (SOC)

using hydrometer.
 Cleaning the Solar Panels System Periodically
Monthly Maintenance

• For flooded lead acid batteries check

electrolyte level and top up if required.

• Inspect all terminals for corrosion and

loosened cable connections.

• After cleaning, add anti-oxidant to

exposed wire and terminals.
 Cleaning the Solar Panels System Periodically
Annual Maintenance

• Check array wiring for physical damage

and wind chafing.

• Check array mounting hardware for

tightness.

• Inspect inverter - remove dust or dirt,

inspect system wiring for poor
connections and overheating.
 Inspecting the System
Inspection of Earthing & Lightning Protection

• Use an ohmmeter to check the continuity of the entire

grounding system.

• Make sure that all module frames, metal conduit and

connectors, junction boxes, and electrical components

chassis are earth grounded.

 Inspecting the System
Inspection of System Wiring

• Visually check all conduit and wire insulation for damage.

• Check for loose, broken, corroded, or burnt wiring

connections.

• Check if all equipment are connected with proper wire and

conduit

• Check all terminals and wires for loose, broken, corroded,

or burnt connections or components.

 Inspecting the System
Inspection of Solar Arrays

• Use a DC clamp-on ammeter to determine the array

output current during a sunny weather.

• Conduit and connections must all be tight and

undamaged.

• Look for loose, broken, corroded, vandalized, and

otherwise damaged components.

• Check close to the ground for animal damage

 Inspecting the System
Inspection of Inverters

• Check the operation of the inverter at the time of the

inspection.

• Measure and record the current draw of the inverter in

both idling and operating states.

• Check all inverter wiring for loose, broken, corroded, or

burnt connections or wires.

• Look for potential accidental short circuits or ground faults.

 Inspecting the System
Inspection of Batteries

• A hydrometer describes the state of charge by determining

the specific gravity of the electrolyte.

• Usually, the specific gravity of electrolyte is between 1.120

and 1.265.

• At 1.120, the battery is fully discharged.

• At 1.265, it is fully charged.

 Troubleshooting to Identify Faults
Wiring, Switches
and Fuses
 Troubleshooting to Identify Faults
Solar Arrays
 Troubleshooting to Identify Faults
Inverters
 Completing the Work
• Clean the work area after completing the maintenance activity.

• Remove all the tools, consumables used from the installation

area.

• Fill in the job completion form and get the signature of the

customer.

• Inform customers about maintenance of solar panels.

• Follow company standards in documentation of maintenance

activities performed.
 Following Quality and Safety Procedures
• Remove any metals or jewelry to avoid possibility of

current shock during maintenance activity.

• Wear gloves while cleaning aluminum frame with sharp

edges to avoid any accidents.

• Take adequate precautionary measures while handling

electrical system.

• Keep work area clean and organised.

• Adhere to relevant health and safety standards.

THANK YOU