We should consider our power plant as our own body. We must be interested in its state of health, be attentive when we notice that symptoms begin to appear, and take measures to avoid causes for concern.

We emphasize that the regular maintenance of our photovoltaic system is directly linked to its overall performance in terms of yield, both productive and financial.
For this reason, production losses must be prevented, as they are caused by failures due to the faulty operation of various components resulting from inadequate maintenance.

Let’s see which are the most critical parts for checks, assuming that all will undergo both mechanical and electrical maintenance.

Photovoltaic Modules

They capture the sun’s energy. In routine maintenance, electrical checks predominate. Using specific measuring instruments, we verify if the electrical specifications of the manufacturer and the project are met. Particular attention must be paid to checking the cells, as a defect even in a single cell can compromise production efficiency, generating unexpected losses. One of the most used methods is to detect cell temperature using thermal cameras. If a number of additional panels were not purchased during the construction phase, we recommend keeping a small stock of replacement modules to optimize losses caused by lost production.

String Boxes

These collect the energy captured by the modules and protect the cables from their fluctuations, determined by sudden climate changes or module failures. Particular attention is paid to the mechanical contact parts because, as Tesla and Edison taught us, direct current is difficult to manage, and a short circuit can cause a fire. Regarding the electrical part, electrical measurements with the appropriate instruments are very important to verify compliance with the project’s electrical specifications and to identify any faults in the series-connected modules that lead to production losses.

The Inverter

The heart and brain of our power plant, it decides how and when to pump energy to the transformer. We can distinguish two categories: centralized and modular. Both require routine maintenance for both mechanical and electrical parts, but particular attention must be paid to the recorded warnings and alarms, without trying to overcome them by ignoring them. The usual maintenance of inverters costs much less than replacing them with a new one before the intended lifespan, especially if it is a centralized one. However, we recommend that you always have a spare one on hand so that you can replace the defective one as quickly as possible, considering that the manufacturers’ response time for spare parts can take weeks or even months.

The Transformer

It transforms the energy from the inverter and injects it into the grid. We can have two types of transformers, oil-based or resin-based. Here, too, routine maintenance is based on mechanical and electrical components, but particular attention must also be paid to temperature, room ventilation, and the associated sensor and automation systems. For the transformer to operate under optimal conditions to provide maximum performance and to avoid serious failures, such as winding rupture or even fires, which are difficult to extinguish, especially in the case of oil-based transformers.

Medium Voltage Cells

They protect and disconnect the system components and must be ready to intervene in emergency situations or to be usable for maneuvering. Here the maintenance is predominantly mechanical, but the electrical part is not missing either. All protection and actuation mechanisms must be well lubricated and fixed so that they can fulfill their tasks in case of grid problems or during maneuvering. Also here, as with transformers, the internal temperature is very important, especially during winter, where the difference between the outside temperature and that of the cables under internal load can form moisture, which can lead to oxidation of contacts and electrical terminals or even short-circuit situations.

Interface Protections

The protection system is the interface between the system and the electrical grid and plays an essential role in case of a grid or system problem. Routine maintenance consists of performing tests that certify that, under certain simulated conditions, this instrument fulfills its functions. We also recommend having a spare part available in case of failure, as a fault in the installed one will lead to a total system shutdown.

Electrical Cables

They represent the nervous system of our power plant, allowing energy to flow to any point of it, and for the components to receive the commands necessary for the system’s operation. Various types can be identified, for high, medium, or low voltage. The electronic part is added to this. Besides the usual check of mechanical and electrical parts, particular attention must be paid to measurements with adequate equipment, which allow us to identify anomalies that could compromise the transit of energy, and consequently, the operation of electronic equipment. Here too, in serious cases of faults, especially in direct current, caused by the deterioration of insulation, fires can occur.

Conclusions

As we have emphasized before, we recommend that you have a kit of spare parts available, ready for quick use in case of a failure, reducing production loss due to component failures.
Obviously, the cases are endless and unpredictable, like the cold you try not to catch, but it always gets you; however, with the right precautions and timely, planned interventions, we can ensure that our power plant rarely gets “sick,” saving money by optimizing production losses, which seriously damage your pocket or bank account.