WESTERN SYDNEY SOLAR

SOLAR GENERATING UNIT CARE AND MAINTENANCE

HOW GRID CONNECTED SOLAR WORKS

Your solar panels convert the incoming solar irradiation from the sun into direct current (DC). Then the inverter converts the DC power into alternating current which then feeds the AC Power into the house and any excess power is then exported into the utility grid.

STARTUP PROCEDURE

Step 1: Turn on AC first (AC MAIN ISOLATOR or SOLAR SUPPLY MAIN SWITCH)

Step 2: Turn on DC second (DC PV ARRAY ISOLATOR or DC ISOLATOR)

DO NOT OPEN PLUG AND SOCKET CONNECTORS OR DC PV ARRAY ISOLATORS WHILE SYSTEM IS OPERATING, THIS CAN CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF DC COMPONENTS.

SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE

Step 1: Turn off AC first (AC MAIN ISOLATOR or SOLAR SUPPLY MAIN SWITCH)

Step 2: Turn off DC second (DC PV ARRAY ISOLATOR or DC ISOLATOR)

DO NOT OPEN PLUG AND SOCKET CONNECTORS OR DC PV ARRAY ISOLATORS WHILE SYSTEM IS OPERATING, THIS CAN CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF DC COMPONENTS.

INVERTER CLEARANCES

Inverters and associated isolation enclosures require minimum clearances of around 200mm (8 inches) to allow for cool and efficient operation.

It is advisable to avoid covering the inverter as it can cause overheating and can affect warranties and possibly fires.

(check all manuals for specific instructions and clearances)

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

We advise the system is shutdown if persons are working on or near solar panels. Weatherproof enclosures and inverters are designed to keep water out from above and we don't recommend the use high pressure cleaners that can damage the internal components. All safe working at heights measures need to be followed.

DAMAGE TO PANELS FROM AN IMPACT

If your panels sustain an impact from rocks, hail or similar it advisable to call us for a panel inspection and check for insurance cover.

FAULT ALARMS

In the event of fault alarms and a ground fault alarm it  is advisable to shut down your system ASAP and to call us for a service inspection.

 

Maintenance Procedure and Timetable

                 

Sub-system or component

Maintenance action

Frequency à

Remarks

Site

Verify:

a.     Cleanliness (accumulation of debris around and/or under array).

b.     No shading of array.

c.     Signage for degradation.

Quarterly

Clean site as required

Trim trees as required

Renew signage

PV modules

Verify cleanliness

(accumulation of dust or fungus under array)

Quarterly

Clean if necessary

Check for visual defects including:

a.     Fractures;

b.     Browning;

c.     Moisture penetration; and

d.     Frame corrosion.

1 year

Modules with visual defects should be further inspected for performance and safety to determine the need for replacement

Inspect junction boxes/isolators/circuit breakers for:

a.     Tightness of connections;

b.     Water accumulation/build up;

c.     Integrity of lid seals;

d.     Integrity of cable entrance, glands and/or conduit sealing; and

e.     Integrity of clamping devices

f.      Signage condition.

1 year

Any defective seals and clamps should be replaced

Wiring installation

Verify mechanical integrity of conduits

5 years

Any damaged conduit should be replaced

Verify insulation integrity of cables installed without conduit

5 years

Any damaged cable should be replaced

Check junction boxes/isolators/circuit breakers for:

a.     Tightness of connections;

b.     Water accumulation/build up;

c.     Integrity of lid seals;

d.     Integrity of cable entrance and/or conduit sealing;

e.     Integrity of clamping devices:

f.      Signage degradation.

Verify:

a.     Surge arresters for degradation.

1 year

Any defective seals, clamps, blocking diodes, surge arresters and signage should be replaced

Check connections for:

a.     Tightness of connections; and

b.     Corrosion.

1 year

Repair as required

Electrical characteristics

Measure open circuit voltages

1 year

 

 

Measure short circuit currents

1 year

 

Protective devices

Verify integrity of fuses

1 year

 

Verify operation of CB’s

1 year

 

Verify operation of earth fault protection system

 

1 year

 

Verify operation of solar array isolation device

1 year

 

Mounting structures

Verify tightness and integrity of bolts and other fastening devices

1 year

 

Inspect for corrosion

5 years

Repair as required

 

à Values for frequency are examples. Frequency will be site dependent.

Reference: AS/NZS 5033:2012 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays

                          

 

For more information contact Rod Grono on:

Mobile 0416 209 716

Email westernsydneysolar@live.com

PO Box 5867 South Windsor NSW Australia 2756

Western Sydney Solar