Solar

Installation Area Checks:

The installation area checks include all the work to ensure that the solar plant installed either on roofs metal or RCC or installed on Ground are free from external factors which might jeopardize the plant safety and reduce the generation. Some checks mentioned below focus on good health of the roof in rooftop installation, to ensure the safety of the installation over the working life of the plant.

 

RCC Roof Checks

 There is no roof clogging or water pooling and drainage is adequate.

 Roof penetrations (if any) are watertight.

 There is no erosion near the concrete pedestals

 There is no debris of garbage accumulation under the modules

 There are no cracks on the roof

 

Metal Roof Checks

 There are no cracks or cuts in the roof because of the solar installation

 Roof extensions for solar module installation are tightly secured and watertight

 The roofs sheets don’t have any corrosion damage on both sides

 Walkways and access ladders are secured properly and have no corrosion damage

 There is no roof clogging or water pooling and drainage is adequate.

 

Ground Mount Installation Checks

 There is no ground erosion at the base of the ground mount system.

 There should be no signs of animal infestation under the array.

 The are no debris or garbage collected under or near the solar installation

 There are no shading obstacles on the solar modules

 Vegetation is at minimal near and under the solar installation.

 

Electrical Checks:

Electrical safety becomes an utmost priority given the solar plant deals with High DC voltage and LT three phase AC voltage in the same system. The number of terminations, cable runs along with all their electrical hardware and switchgears of both AC and DC circuit become extremely important to perform safely to avoid accidents leading to loss of life and property.

 Electrical enclosures are only accessible to authorized personnel.

 No corrosion on the outside of enclosures and the racking system.

 There should be no debris in the inverter pad area or elsewhere.

 No loose hanging wire in the array.

 Check and tight loose connection in ACDB panel if any.

 Check connected Cable Lugs are proper.

 Check readings of all phases and note down in book.

 Check and tight loose connection in ACDB panel if any.

 Check connected Cable Lugs are proper.

 Check DC Fuse for any damage and blow off.

 Check readings of all array and note down in book.

 Wiring installations are checked for any cracks, breaks or deterioration in the insulation.

Operation & Maintenance Scope

 Panel boxes are scrutinized to prevent the box becoming a home for rodents and insects.

 Ensure there is no gap between the male and female connector pipes, thus eliminating any

chance of accidental fire.

 

Specific Checks and tasks:

The specifics check for the solar plant equipment namely the Solar Modules and the inverter along with the Remote monitoring system are very crucial to ensure the safe and profitable operation and monitoring of the solar plant. The Tasks like module cleaning and inverter vent clearing should be scheduled as per the plan and needs to ensured that the same are followed as per schedule.

Modules:

 Modules need the most preventive maintenance.

 Cleaning is carried out in fortnightly (two Weeks) basis.

 panels are simply washed with soft water.

 Good quality brushes without hard bristles need to be used for cleaning to prevent damaging the glass surface of modules. Also, metal brushes should be avoided to prevent wearing of the panel surface.

 A visual inspection of the modules is done periodically to look for possible defects such as cracks, chips, de-lamination, fogged glazing and water leaks. If any obvious defects are found, their location is noted down

 Post wash the modules are wiped dry to ensure no stains remain.

 Solar module mounting frames are examined to make certain that the frames and modules are firmly secured, and mounting bolts are rust-free.

 All clamps to be checked every three months and ensure the tightening correctly.

 Junction boxes are inspected to ensure that the wires are not chewed by rodents or insects.

 

Inverter:

Service Carried out on a monthly basis as opposed to the recommended quarterly maintenance as there is most dust in India.

 Wipe inverter with dry cloths.

 Cleaning of inverter fans (if arrangement is there in inverter)

 Checking of cable connections from AC and DC side.

 Check any fault in inverter. And take action based on fault.

 Write down current, voltage, frequency, DC voltage and DC current.

 

Remote Monitoring:

 The solar power plant needs to be supervised to detect breakdown and optimize its operation.

 All peripheral related to WMS System should be checked for any damage and its proper working and take adequate action.

 Clean the cleanable part from WMS.

 Check all Connections properly there should not be any wire cut.

 

Safety:

 During any solar power plant cleaning, the first step is to ensure the personnel are properly trained. The technician or worker should have knowledge of safety gear and know which gear is used for what purpose.

 Use personal protective equipment (PPE) of extremely high standards.

Operation & Maintenance Scope

 Wear all safety gears properly.

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, safety helmets, reflecting jackets, gloves and safety belt, full body harnesses should be strictly mandatory for all workers.

 

Miscellaneous:

 If solar panels are near a tree or bushes that may grow over time, it is wise to trim any branches that will cause shading on the array. Be sure to hire a professional contractor and always follow safe work practices before doing any work.