Solar panels for the industry or factory are considered to be an essential investment, as they give a reliable energy supply and reduce the electricity bills and carbon footprint in the environment. With the right maintenance and regular check-ups for the panels, they can function properly for a long time. But what happens when you fail to maintain the panels? Unmaintained panels are covered with dust and dirt, which affects the solar panels’ performance over time. It not only affects the energy conversion process but also the overall investment.
Maintaining and following the checklist for industrial solar panels helps industries avoid costly downtime and performance loss. Continue reading the blog to explore tips to maintain the solar panels to get consistent performance.
Industrial Solar Panels
Sustainable solutions are what every industry needs. Solar panels have become an ultimate solution that provides prolonged flexibility and reliable resources for the industry. However, it requires regular maintenance and scheduled inspections to ensure its performance, safety and maximum energy outputs. Even a minor block or damage in the panels can affect the overall energy productivity. A thorough maintenance checklist for industrial solar panels can help you to inspect for damage, clean, do electrical checks, and ensure that the equipment works for effective operation.
Maintenance Checklists For Industrial Solar Panels
Here are reliable lists to maintain solar panels in a stable and highly functioning form in industries.
1. Solar Panels Cleaning
Whether the solar panels are set up on the ground or on the industrial rooftop, they are easily filled with dirt and dust. Though it may seem unnoticed at the beginning, it can cause a significant power loss over time.
- Use water or a non-abrasive detergent, which helps wash off the dirt on the panels without damaging photovoltaic cells.
- Avoid using brushes and harsh chemical liquids to wash the panels, as they can damage the surface and affect their energy productivity.
- Instead of washing continuously, understand the surrounding conditions, such as dust and dirt levels and rainfall in your area, and clean up the panels accordingly for a better performance.
- Each commercial solar panel manufacturer formats a safety protocol while cleaning the panels. Follow them to have a safe cleaning of solar arrays.
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection of solar panels helps to identify any damage to the system early and increase system efficiency.
- Check if the panel’s surface has debris accumulation such as leaves, dust, bird nests and droppings. All these things can block the sunlight from reaching the panels and reduce energy production.
- Inspect the panels for rust corrosion, loss of alignment, or cracks. Finding out issues before huge damage saves expense and energy.
- If your solar panels are mounted near a tree, the growth of vegetation can block sunlight and reduce the energy conversion. Cut off the trees or branches that cast shadows to maintain the proper energy production.
Electrical Checks
Checking the electrical connections and inspecting for cuts ensures the safety and functionality of the components.
- Check the earthing and grounding points of cables for damage. Detecting it at an early stage helps you to avoid repair expenses and ensure proper grounding.
- Regularly test the cable’s insulation resistance and monitor if it’s overheating or if there are short circuits in the connector. It not only questions the productivity of the panels but also the individual’s safety.
- Inspect the battery terminal, connectors and solar charge in the panels to ensure the batteries’ long-lasting function.
- Checking combiner boxes, breakers, fuses, and disconnect switches to ensure tight electrical connections and the absence of wear or damage.
Inverter Maintenance
The inverter is the central function of the commercial solar panels, which converts DC energy to AC solar power for usage. It requires specific attention during the maintenance check to avoid unnecessary repair.
- Inspect the inverter for physical damage and dust fills, and clean up the vents and cooling fans for a proper solar cooling system function.
- Most of the inventors show warning or error codes and log faults. Constantly check the inverter to track performance over time.
- Follow software updates as recommended by the commercial solar panel manufacturer to avoid malware and bugs in the system and improve its overall function.
- Ensure that the inverter is properly covered and remains unharmed by dust and dirt. Because a small disturbance in this cooling system can damage the overall function of the panels and affect the energy conversion.
- Check out the specific temperature level in the inverters to maintain the solar panels in effective form.
Mounting Inspection
As solar panels can be mounted on the ground and on rooftops, check out the systems that support the entire collection of panels, as they impact the safety and function of the panels.
- Regularly check mounting frames for corrosion and cracks, and fix them quickly to maximise their reliability.
- Apply oil and grease to moving parts, such as trackers’ shafts or gearboxes, once every six months to make them stand and work in good shape.
- Make sure the mounting angle is in the right direction for sunlight exposure and adjust if needed to maximise efficiency.
Monitoring Panels Performance
Continuous monitoring of solar plants’ performance helps detect issues early and minimise the repair charges.
- Use SCADA or any monitoring system to track energy conversion and compare it over time to check the potential output.
- Analyse performance data to detect seasonal impacts and damages in panels, inverters, or batteries to retrieve it.
- Address any sudden drops or inefficiencies quickly with a professional to avoid long-term losses.
Final Takeaway
Follow the well-prepared checklist for solar panel maintenance, and help the factory and industries run smoothly without any issues. If you are looking for professional help in installing or investing in solar panels, check with Nyalkaran Energy to ensure the safety and productivity of the panels. Regular inspection of the panels’ damage and cable connections helps to detect early issues and save them from expensive repair charges.
Install industrial solar panels and take advantage of the maintenance services from Nyalkaran Energy to optimize the effective functioning of solar power.