Commercial Solar Operation & Maintenance
Expert Tips for Proper Commercial Solar Maintenance & Operations
Commercial solar maintenance is crucial to maintain the efficiency, performance, and energy output of your system. A well-maintained system will have optimal energy output and will be less likely to develop costly problems. Investing in a commercial solar maintenance and operations plan will extend the lifespan of your system and components, save you money, and maintain safety and compliance. Here are some expert tips for proper commercial solar maintenance and operations.
Benefits of Timely Solar Repairs and Service
You should inspect your system monthly, clean it seasonally, and schedule professional solar repairs and service annually. The benefits of proper commercial solar operations and maintenance are:
- Optimal Energy Production – Regularly removing dust, dirt, and debris from panels can maximize sunlight absorption and energy production.
- Reduced Wear and Tear – A buildup of debris can cause wear and tear to your system, leading to performance losses and increased wear and tear. Proper cleaning can mitigate this risk.
- Early Warning of Problems – Inspecting your system regularly, cleaning it properly, and monitoring energy output can give you early warning of problems. You can catch them early enough that they are faster, easier, and less expensive to fix.
- Protect Your Investment – Proper maintenance ensures your system generates the expected energy levels, which protects your ROI.
- Maintain Warranty Terms – Your manufacturer and/or installer warranties likely contain terms regarding required maintenance and inspections. Neglecting to follow these requirements can violate or nullify your warranty.
- Extend Equipment Lifespan – Proper cleaning, maintenance, and inspections will reduce wear and tear on your system and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
- Guarantee Safety and Comfort – Inspections can identify damage to the inverters, wiring, and hardware so that you can fix them before they cause safety issues like electrical fires, falling parts, or accidents. Maintaining your system also guarantees that it functions properly, keeping your property comfortable and safe.
- Protect Systems From Weather and Other Damage – Proper maintenance can lower the risk of weather damage or impact damage.
- Comply With Company Policies and Investor or Board Requirements – If your system was purchased with investor funds or through a financing agreement, you will need to comply with the terms imposed by your lending company, financiers or investors, and board of directors. Neglecting to properly maintain and repair the system may cause undue wear and tear and financial burden, which could put you at risk for violations of company policies.
Checklist of Commercial Solar Maintenance Tasks
Some solar maintenance tasks can be completed by you and your team. Others should be handled by a professional solar services provider. The most important tasks are:
- Monthly monitoring of energy production and usage
- Monthly visual inspections for signs of debris, dirt, and obstructions that could affect solar panel performance
- Seasonal inspections for signs of loose or missing hardware, corrosion, damage, chipped or cracked panels or cells, foggy or cloudy glass, bird or animal activity, or storm damage and wear and tear
- Post-storm inspections for signs of damage
- Seasonal cleaning to remove dust, bird droppings, and other debris
- Vegetation management to prevent intrusion, obstruction, and shading on panels
- Professional annual inspection that includes check-ups of software systems, air filters, wiring, connections, electrical components, breakers, fuses, inverter components, combiner boxes, grounding systems, and mounting systems and frames
- Meticulous recording of all maintenance, inspection, service, and repair tasks
Signs You Need Commercial Solar Service
Although following a schedule for commercial maintenance will protect your system, it may also need upkeep outside of those scheduled tasks. Some signs you need commercial solar service or repairs include:
- Decreased energy output, particularly in good weather conditions
- Higher electric bills
- Frequent system shutdowns
- Cracks, dents, discoloration, broken or foggy glass, or other visible signs of damage
- Error messages on the inverter display
- Strange noises like buzzing or clicking from the inverter
- Smoke, a burning odor, or other signs of the inverter overheating
- Corrosion or rust on panels or mounting hardware
- Loose or damaged wiring or connections
- Excessive dirt, debris, dust, or overgrowth on or around panels
- Storm damage
- Alerts on your monitoring system
Call ACE Solar Now for Commercial Solar Repairs or Service
ACE Solar offers comprehensive commercial solar service in New England and beyond. We can ensure your system maintains optimal performance so that you get the highest return on your investment. We manage all maintenance and operations tasks, including inspections, repairs, cleaning, and replacement. Our coverage includes mechanical and electrical system maintenance, data acquisition system maintenance, vegetation management, and remote monitoring. We quickly identify and diagnose problems and coordinate repair and replacement to maintain seamless, uninterrupted operation. Call now or contact us online to get an estimate for commercial solar panel maintenance.