Maintenance of photovoltaic power plants during operation

For high efficiency and productivity of solar panels, it is essential to use quality components and ensure professional installation, but even more important is ongoing monitoring and maintenance during operation. To ensure that a solar power plant operates at full capacity for the long term and maintains maximum efficiency, regular maintenance of both the panels and their surroundings is necessary. This maintenance is key not only for optimizing energy production but also for extending the lifespan of the equipment and preventing unplanned outages. The following points highlight important aspects of solar power plant maintenance.

Panel Cleaning

Over time, photovoltaic panels accumulate dust, leaves, bird droppings, and other debris. While the angle of the panels and their surface are designed to maximize the self-cleaning effect from rain and snow, regular inspections and cleaning are still recommended. Additionally, controlling the height of surrounding vegetation can reduce debris, such as leaves or branches, from reaching the panel surface. This debris can reduce the amount of light hitting the panels, leading to a decrease in performance.

The frequency of cleaning panels is determined individually based on several factors, such as environmental dust levels, panel angle, and location. In some cases, rain may wash away most of the dirt, while other situations may require more frequent cleaning. A service company can estimate the ideal maintenance frequency based on the drop in panel performance. However, cleaning panels at least once a year is considered a basic necessity to ensure their efficiency.

 

Vegetation Management

Vegetation around the panels, especially in field installations, can significantly impact the performance of a photovoltaic power plant. Overgrown grass, bushes, or weeds can shade the panels, reducing their efficiency. Additionally, small trees within the structure can cause construction defects or damage the panels themselves.

Our Greenbuddies teams also provide professional mowing services for the area around solar panels. We recommend this maintenance be carried out at least once a year to prevent the growth of grass that could shade the panels and lower their performance. Mowing the surrounding area also helps mitigate fire risks, maintain access to the panels, and reduce the chance of infrastructure damage caused by wildlife. With our technologies and eco-friendly methods, we ensure long-term optimal performance of your power plant.

 

The photos below are from a recent maintenance project at an onshore photovoltaic plant in Germany, where vegetation was already overgrown, reducing the plant's output. The photos are before and after.