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