PV Maintenance, Inspection and Testing
All installations require regular maintenance to ensure that collectors are kept clean so they can operate to the highest possible efficiency. Regular maintenance of the building fabric around the array is also essential to ensure it stays in good condition and remains wind and weather tight.
As a minimum, the handover pack information provided by the installer on completion of the system should include the warranty and basic system information such as the power rating of the arrays and inverters, the make and model of equipment, commissioning data, tests and results as well as operating and maintenance information.
Recommended maintenance tasks
Conduct visual checks
A couple of times a year check for signs of damage such as cracked glazing and cell or delamination. Check the electrical installation to see if there are any signs of damage, arcing or corrosion.
Check the monitoring system
An electronic dashboard (via a website) is provided to keep track of energy generation and consumption, and this should be viewed periodically by the user to check for dropouts or unusual patterns.
Check for any new shading
The surrounding environment should be re-assessed every 4 to 5 years to check for shading from trees or other new structures that may have been erected. Shading can lead to significant drop-off in performance.
Clean the collector surface
Debris may accumulate on the surface of the PV collector. Routine cleaning should be undertaken every 1 to 2 years to ensure that they are clean and operating at their maximum possible efficiency. For health and safety reasons and to avoid any damage to the electrical equipment an appropriately trained specialist should undertake this task.
Check battery fluid levels
Depending on the type of batteries installed the maintenance required and who can undertake this will differ. See Installing Electrical Energy Storage Systems and Batteries in Historic Buildings for more.
Inspect the electrical installation
As with all electrical installations and equipment, PV systems must be inspected and tested to the requirements of British Standard BS 7671; as specified by the PV installer and as required by the DNO under the Engineering Recommendations G98 or G99 as relevant.
Monitor and record the inverter’s performance
Electrical inverters have a lifespan that is typically shorter than the PV collector, so if performance drops a new one should be installed.
Keep a maintenance logbook
It is good practice and ensures that safety and maintenance information is captured and recorded throughout the lifespan of the installation.
