________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
With the ongoing global shift to renewable energy, solar power continues to emerge as a leading force in the transition to a low-carbon future. Photovoltaic( PV) systems provide great potential but are underperforming enormously due to a lack of proper maintenance. In 2024, RaptorMaps, the solar asset management company, found that worldwide, underperforming solar PV systems are estimated to have led to $ 4.6 billion in preventable losses in 2023.
Solar maintenance is an often-overlooked practice that can be crucial to the long-term success of an asset, maximizing both financial returns and energy efficiency of an asset.
Key benefits of maintenance
A well-maintained solar system operates reliably and works as intended by ensuring every panel’ s output and lifespan is fully optimized. Through regular solar maintenance, photovoltaic( PV) systems operate at peak efficiency, leading to maximized energy production and prolonged system lifespan.
Beyond physical upkeep, it’ s crucial to monitor a system’ s performance against the expected performance ratio( PR) outlined in contractual agreements. The PR is a metric that compares the actual output of a solar system to its theoretical maximum, accounting for losses due to factors like temperature, shading, and system inefficiencies.
By routinely assessing this ratio, stakeholders can verify that the system delivers the anticipated return on investment( ROI). Deviations from the expected PR can indicate underlying issues, prompting timely interventions that prevent revenue losses and ensure the system remains within warranty conditions.
Regular maintenance also ensures the safety of solar installations by helping to mitigate any risks posed by potential hazards that can be caused by wear or electrical faults.
Cost-effective processes
Implementing a centralized data management platform is among the most cost-effective strategies for solar PV maintenance. Such platforms consolidate data from various components like inverters, sensors, and meters into a unified dashboard, facilitating real-time monitoring and analysis.
Through automating ROI calculations within this system, landlords and asset owners can continuously assess the financial performance of their solar systems, enabling quick identification of underperforming assets. This stops any major failures in the system being overlooked, reduces downtime, and prevents potentially expensive repairs by avoiding major breakdowns in the system.
Additionally, routine practices like panel cleaning, visual inspections for physical damage, and scheduled inverter diagnostics are essential. These measures ensure any
Beyond physical upkeep, it’ s crucial to monitor a system’ s performance against the expected performance ratio( PR)... Deviations from the expected PR can indicate underlying issues, prompting timely interventions
16