The definition of the PV system to be maintained shall include PV modules, the support structure, disconnects, inverter(s), monitoring equipment, and all other appurtenances to make the PV system complete, grid- connected, and operational. 104
Photovoltaic energy is a possible response to the challenges of the energy transition of tomorrow. For proper operation, the solar photovoltaic system needs a rigorous supervision of its electrical and physical parameters. Monitoring is one of the foundations of photovoltaic maintenance engineering.
PV system operations is a growing field because increasing PV penetration into the larger utility system, and an emerging market for ancillary services (e.g., dispatch of storage, sourcing reactive power, curtailment of output) require more system interaction on an ongoing basis.
Members of the Working Group have discussed these results and are currently recommending 0.5% for large systems and 1% of system initial cost per year for small systems as a reasonable expectation of PV system O&M costs. These heuristics inform an expectation of PV system O&M cost.
1 Introduction This guide considers Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of photovoltaic (PV) systems with the goal of reducing the cost of O&M and increasing its effectiveness. Reported O&M costs vary widely, and a more standardized approach to planning and delivering O&M can make costs more predictable.
A documented PV system O&M plan for a system or fleet of systems should include the following (depending on system size, complexity, and investment): O&M Plan Checklist List of responsible-party contact information including site owner and offtaker of power, utility, local jurisdiction, local landowner, as well as emergency numbers.