Maintenance of the photovoltaic station is an integral part of your investment, necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of your system. By conducting preventive checks at regular intervals, you prevent future malfunctions and income losses, and you are covered if any damage occurs to your system, as all equipment manufacturers emphasize preventive maintenance to comply with their warranties.
Why is the maintenance and technical support of your photovoltaic station necessary?
Maximization of your income from the smooth, uninterrupted, and optimal operation of the station, through immediate diagnosis and detection of faults or malfunctions. This ensures maximum availability and performance of the station and consequently of your investment. Necessary for equipment warranties against their manufacturers. Necessary for the insurance coverage of the station and your compensation, given that insurance companies, in case of claims for insured events (e.g., technical problems, thefts, extreme weather phenomena), require the existence of a maintenance contract and periodic maintenance reports. Reduction of damages and malfunctions due to the preventive maintenance of the station and its monitoring, resulting in the non-depletion of equipment. Slowing down the aging process and wear of the equipment, ensuring the extension of the life span of your investment. Reduction of the likelihood and risk of accidents due to lack of maintenance of the equipment. Avoidance of losses of up to 15% of performance from the regular cleaning of photovoltaic panels. Useful conclusions for the investor are drawn through periodic maintenance and production reports of the station. The benefit of preventive maintenance ultimately outweighs the cost of maintenance for the investor. The operating cost of the investment is reduced through proper maintenance. Increased resale value of your station in case you decide to sell it in the future. Frequent technical problems that occur in photovoltaic stations and their negative consequences (production and income losses, equipment aging, etc.) could be minimized if the station is monitored and maintained regularly, such as:
Damages to Photovoltaic Panels with small cracks, snail trails, short circuits in individual cells, burned diodes, and Short circuits in the junction box. The Hot Spot phenomenon is due to the presence of hot spots on PV elements that produce lower current compared to other elements connected in series. The most likely reason is permanent shading on the specific cells, material mismatch, or even reverse polarity. The PID phenomenon (Potential Induced Degradation) is due to the potential difference between the PV cells and the frame of the PV modules. This phenomenon occurs especially in the PV unit closest to the negative pole. The potential, i.e., the voltage to ground, of the PV cells ranges between -200 V and -350 V, depending on the length of a string and the type of device of the inverter used. In contrast, the frame of the PV modules has a potential of 0 V because it must be grounded for safety reasons. Due to this electrical potential between the PV cells and the frame, electrons can be released from the materials used in the PV unit, which flow through the grounded frame. Thus, a charge (bias) remains, which can negatively affect the characteristic curve of the PV cells. Insulation resistance of Cables Riso. Each photovoltaic installation shows both before connecting to the grid and during power supply operation, a different dynamic with respect to Ground. Only sufficient insulation resistance to ground prevents the flow of current from the photovoltaic installation to Ground and eliminates the risk of contact, as well as additional losses. The total current to ground, also called leakage current, is composed of the contribution of all components of the installation (PV units, DC cable, Inverter). For a given system voltage, this leakage current corresponds to an insulation resistance, which is called Riso. Therefore, if there is leakage current, the inverter detects it and is placed out of operation. If this error is ignored, the safety of the equipment and the installation is compromised. Problems with cables & electrical panels, grounding, and inadequate lightning protection. Loss of production data from telemetry, communication faults with the park, telemonitoring, closed circuit television (CCTV), and alarm system. The basic technical support services of PV Parks are distinguished in:
- a) Preventive Maintenance
- b) Immediate technical intervention for damage restoration
- c) Telemonitoring (7 days a week – 365 days a year)
- d) Cleaning of panels with specialized equipment
- e) Removal of vegetation.
PVMAINT, certified according to ISO 9001:2008, is staffed by specialized engineers with many years of experience in the study, installation, and maintenance-technical support of photovoltaic stations. With a network of partners throughout Greece, it is your ideal partner and responds promptly to the needs of each photovoltaic park.
- Useful Information
PV STEGI Guide – Rooftop Photovoltaic Program”
- “Rooftop Photovoltaics” – Questions & Answers
- User Manual for Self-Production
- Program Application Guide
- Government Gazette