Did you switch to solar? Now what?
The reality kicks in when it comes to choosing the right operation and maintenance of solar power plant provider.
You won’t want to make a poor choice. Right? Lost energy, unexpected repairs and higher costs would mean a failed investment.
So, how do you pick the right solar panel maintenance provider?
We’ll help you sort through the noise.
Dig into this blog as we guide you in picking the right provider who will help you make the most of your panels.
Why is Solar Plant Operation and Maintenance Necessary?
Is your solar panel only delivering you clean energy and lower energy bills?
Think again. Think about sudden energy drops, dusty panels and unexpected maintenance headaches. Installing solar panels feels exciting until it starts costing you more than you expected it to.
Indeed, the sun does all the work, and the panels rarely need maintenance, but does that mean they do not need maintenance at all?
Of course not. You cannot simply buy a car and let the engine wear by until it stops working completely, right?
Similarly, the panels wear out over time. Cleaning of dust and debris, minor hardware and software repairs and consistency checking of the panels are necessary occasionally.
Moreover, inverters and other monitoring components need regular attention for them to function optimally.
Regular solar panel services will help you extend the lifespan of your panels in many ways. The benefits include:
- Reduced downtime
- Maximized energy output
- Extended system lifespan
- Cost savings
- Better ROI
- Optimal equipment performance
- Fewer risks of electrical faults, fires and other hazards
- Valid warranties
- Routine and real-time monitoring
- Data-driven adjustments
- More clean energy and
- Better sustainability
If not done, your panels’ efficiency might degrade over time, and minor issues might turn into costly repairs.
Now, the question is, how do you get the output you expected initially? How do you get the return on your investment in the long term so that your ROI and savings don’t take a hit?
Keep reading this solar panel maintenance guide.
What is the Role of Solar Panel Maintenance Services Provider?
When it comes to solar panel maintenance, most of you might think, “I can handle this myself.”
Sure, cleaning your solar panels, giving them a quick sprinkler wash and inspecting them every few days seems manageable. But the surface reality is much more complicated.
A solar panel maintenance services provider, won’t just give your panels a rinse and call it a day. They will also perform other maintenance tasks, such as:
- Regular inspections using specific tools that might go missing with the naked eye.
- Repair of microcracks in panels, wiring issues and clearing of vegetation.
- Electrical checks, including connections, string current, voltage and more.
- System shifts, reinstallations and upgrades.
- Calibration of sensors, SCADA and monitoring system.
- Regular checks for inverter functionality and system performance diagnostics.
- Inspection of irregularities in system data.
- Troubleshooting and fixing underperformance systems.
Besides these big issues, providers won’t wait for something to break down. They will keep preventive measures ready and make adjustments while monitoring your system’s performance over time.
So, managing solar panels and their components would be a daunting task unless you have an engineering degree or experience in maintaining solar technology. So, now the question is about choosing the right provider. But why? Read ahead.
What is the Importance of Choosing the Right Provider?
What is your long-term goal for anyone even thinking about investing in a solar system? Consistent energy output and financial benefits for years to come.
But here’s the reality: Without the right solar plant operation and maintenance provider, your system’s performance will drop, reducing your returns.
There are two main reasons for this:
- Maintenance Impacts Your Bottom Line
Like any other investment, you need to be watchful of your monthly and yearly returns. The right provider will help you maintain your panels. If not done monthly your installations will give you 30% less power generation.
- O&M Protects and Extends Your Asset Life
Most rooftop panels in India have faulty wiring, which poses a high risk to the installations, buildings and people. Indian weather and areas with high winds could also damage your panels.
Choosing the right O&M service provider will help you understand your panels’ locations and areas of installation. They will work strategically to maintain peak performance for your panels. What more would they offer?
A reliable provider will offer:
- Tailored maintenance strategies
- Technological updates
- System-specific, weather-specific and location-specific inspections
- Advanced monitoring tools
- Remote and real-time diagnostics, and more.
The right provider will give you confidence that your investment is worth it and that it is in the best hands possible. So, one of the most important solar panel maintenance tips: “Don’t select any O&M provider for your panels.”
Keep reading to find a provider who will ensure your panels reach their full potential for decades.
6 Factors to Consider Before Selecting a Solar Plant Operation and Maintenance Provider
Ready to keep your investment running efficiently? Great call. But, as mentioned above, it’s not just about keeping the lights on. It’s also about reducing downtime and ensuring a high return on your investment.
Below are 6 actionable factors we have jotted down to help you pick a reliable solar maintenance services provider.
- Technical Capabilities and Expertise
The solar industry and service providers are booming across the country, making it even more important to look for a provider with technical capabilities and expertise.
Moreover, every plant has its unique operational and maintenance requirements. A provider with profound expertise should be familiar with different panel sizes, their components and installation locations.
Ask them questions such as:
- Do their technicians have certifications?
- Do they offer advanced monitoring services?
- How much time do they take to respond to system issues or failures?
Another crucial factor to consider is their technicians are well-versed in the latest market developments.
- Reputation and Credibility
Before you choose a solar plant maintenance provider, their reputation and credibility speak volumes. They should have a deep understanding of Photovoltaic technology, monitoring systems and troubleshooting issues.
Research how long they have been in the business. The scale of projects they have managed. How consistent they have been over time.
What more to check?
- Research about their history of performance.
- Client testimonials and online reviews.
- Ask for references to check for their expertise.
Choose a partner with a credible track record, proven success and transparency.
- Monitoring and Reporting System
What if your solar system’s performance drops suddenly or there are faults? Does the provider follow any proactive methods for such cases? Do they offer a 24/7 monitoring system that can help you get detailed, comprehensive data?
What to look for?
- Can you get real-time alerts with a handy monitoring device?
- If yes, is the portal or monitoring app user-friendly?
- How often can you access the data on the monitoring app?
- How often will you get performance monitoring reports?
- Does it provide automated alerts?
- What metrics can you monitor with the app?
When finalizing a provider, ensure that they provide you with data-driven reports and recommendations that will help you boost your panel’s performance. This way you will also have a clear understanding of your solar system’s health.
- Warranties, Response Time and Support
Things can go wrong at any moment. After all, solar panels are machines. However, the right provider will give you warranties on parts and components.
Therefore, the provider’s response time and support would be worth noting.
Things to consider:
- How quickly do they deploy technicians in emergencies?
- Do they offer 24/7, 365-day support?
- Are they certified?
- What is their guaranteed response time?
- How do they handle warranty issues?
- Do they provide regular inspections?
- What are their other corrective actions?
Speed, clear communications, skill and availability are key to a reliable system that will run at its best for years to come. A reputable solar maintenance services provider will offer you with fast and guaranteed response time.
- License, Insurance and Certifications
Never compromise on license, insurance and certifications. National and international standards indicate their commitment to quality and safety.
Therefore, look for providers who adhere to these practices, have valid certifications and are updated with government regulatory changes.
You can check for certifications, such as:
- IEC 61215, IEC 61646, IEC 61730-1/2, ISO 9000, ISO 14001
- PV Module Certification
- BIS Certification
- Electrical and Safety Compliance, and more.
Quality management, licensing, insurance and certifications will safeguard you, your system and your investment.
- Flexibility, Customizations and Prize
Your solar plant at your home would be different from the one at a factory. Right? No solar plants are the same. Therefore, your chosen provider should offer tailored and customized services for your unique plant requirements.
Moreover, the customized services should match your budget. Flexibility also matters based on your maintenance and operational requirements.
What can you look for?
- Is the provider willing to customize their services?
- Do they provide specialized cleaning techniques?
- How do they structure their pricing?
- Do they offer fixed or variable pricing options?
- Are there any additional or hidden charges?
- Is the pricing transparent and flexible?
Cost is a critical factor, as is the provider’s flexibility regarding the services they offer. Therefore, it is important to clearly understand what you are paying for.
How Does Intello Help?
No matter the number of assets you own, where, who and when the solar panels were installed, a completely transparent, affordable and reliable provider is a must for the long life of your solar panels.
Intello offers an advanced IoT gateway that enables remote monitoring of solar panels. We also provide preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance for all panels. Contact our experts today to learn more about our solar panel services.
FAQs:
- What is O&M in Solar?
Solar operations and maintenance involves:
- Cleaning solar panels to remove dirt and debris
- Regular inspections for damage
- Checking connections and wiring for efficiency
- Making necessary repairs or adjustments as needed
Proper maintenance helps maximize the performance and lifespan of solar panels.
- What is the role of a Solar O&M technician?
A solar O&M technician will inspect, test, repair and troubleshoot your entire solar panel or panels. They will also inspect and check for issues in the panel’s software and hydraulic and mechanical systems.
- Is there any maintenance required for solar panels?
Solar panels need periodic cleaning and maintenance. It is essential to keep your panels free from debris, dirt and other obstructions that can cast shadow over the panels.
- Do solar panels need regular servicing?
Yes. Solar Panels need regular professional maintenance. Usually, annual professional cleanings are recommended. However, depending on your panel’s location, region, and weather, you can check your panels for dirt and debris regularly.
- What is the annual O&M cost?
The cost of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) for a component is the cost associated with operating and maintaining that component.
The total O&M cost of the solar system is the sum of the O&M costs of each system component.
For most components, you enter the O&M cost as an annual amount.
