Maintenance and Support

PV System Maintenance

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are designed for minimal upkeep due to their lack of moving parts, but regular maintenance is vital to ensure they perform well throughout their 25-year lifespan.

Is Your PV System Operating Effectively?

A properly installed, south-facing, unshaded, grid-connected system should produce the following energy annually per installed kilowatt (kW):

• Flush Roof Mounted: 1,220 kWh/kW/year

• Ground Rack: 1,235 kWh/kW/year

• 2-Axis Tracker: 1,530 kWh/kW/year

For example, a 10 kW system with a $0.802/kWh contract should generate:

10kW×1,220kWh×0.802=$9,784 per year

If your production is significantly lower, it may signal an issue caused by:

• Faulty microinverters or optimizers

• Improper string sizing

• Loose electrical connections

• Moisture in junction boxes

• Rodent damage

Maintenance Contracts and Inspections

At Capital Solar, we provide long-term service contracts and on-demand maintenance. Regular inspections—conducted annually or semi-annually—help catch problems early, enhancing overall production. Some manufacturers require documented maintenance to maintain warranties.

Annual/Semi-Annual Inspections Include:

1. Mechanical Inspections:

   • Torque checks on racking fasteners

   • Inspection of panel clamps and roof flashings

   • Assessment for rodent damage and insulation wear in wiring

2. Electrical Inspections:

   • Tightening all electrical connections

   • Checking for arcing or loose connections

   • Documenting voltage (Voc) of strings

   • Infrared camera scans

3. Performance Analysis:

   • Comparing current output to previous years to spot trends and potential issues.

After each inspection, we provide a detailed written report, which is essential for warranty claims.

Monitoring Your System

Effective monitoring is crucial for protecting your PV system. Capital Solar offers web-based monitoring solutions, both standard and custom, to quickly detect and resolve any issues.

Need Maintenance or Monitoring?

If your system needs service or monitoring, contact us to learn how we can help keep your solar energy system running efficiently.