Your Photovoltaic System Repair and Maintenance Checklist

Photovoltaic systems are a great way to save your business or property money with clean, sustainable energy. However, to ensure that your photovoltaic system is operating efficiently and safely, periodic maintenance is required.

There are a few simple steps you can take to properly maintain your photovoltaic system so you can continue to power your business or property with ease and efficiency. It is also imperative that you have a professional technician perform regular preventative maintenance on your system so that you can continue to enjoy the benefits of your business’s solar energy.

Keep reading for a comprehensive checklist for photovoltaic system repair and maintenance!

Clean Solar Panels

First, start maintaining your photovoltaic system by ensuring your panels are clear of dirt, bird droppings, and other debris. Clean the panels with a microfiber cloth and ethanol so they can produce energy at their total capacity.

You should also have a qualified professional verify the voltage of each panel to ensure there are no defects or issues. It is also essential to have the electrical connections inspected to be sure no oxidation has occurred.

Check Inverter

Once a year, check your system’s inverter. Clear any dirt, debris, or other obstructions, as these could lead to a loss of power. During this step, you should also check for any hot spots in the inverter and charge controller.

During your inverter check, be sure to shut off the inverter, then turn it back on to ensure it restarts appropriately.

Check Fan and Ventilation

During your annual maintenance of the inverter, you should also check that the fan cooling system is functioning properly and clean all fan cooling mechanisms. Check and clean ventilation air ducts so the cooling system can continue to operate efficiently.

Inspect Wiring Cables

Periodically check for any damaged cables. During this inspection, you should also examine the seals on housings and replace any that are not sealing correctly.

You should also hire a professional to confirm that wires' terminal connections are making proper contact, and test to see if there are any mechanical or electrical overload stresses on your system.

Check Solar Electronic Protection Switch

It is crucial to have a professional technician inspect your photovoltaic system’s solar electronic protection switch. Doing so will ensure the switch is operating properly and confirm that there are no signs of discoloration or damage to any connectors or terminals.

Check Battery

Finally, you must have a professional inspect your battery if your photovoltaic system is an off-grid system. A technician will check for any corrosion on battery terminals during an inspection and ensure that they are well adjusted. During this step, they will also check for sulfation—a buildup of sulfate crystals on the surface of the battery. This buildup indicates the presence of gas in the battery and a failure of the charging control system.

Schedule Photovoltaic System Maintenance with Synergy Electric

For assistance with troubleshooting, repairing, or maintaining your facility’s photovoltaic system, look no further than Synergy Electric. With a growing team of experienced electrical contractors (we're hiring!), we’re committed to powering your project—no matter the scale. Call us at (862) 251-7280 or contact us online to learn more!