The performance of solar panels in different seasons is significantly affected by environmental factors. It is necessary to formulate targeted maintenance strategies in combination with seasonal characteristics to ensure the power generation efficiency of the system and the service life of the equipment. The following elaborates on the key points of maintenance based on the characteristics of the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter
First, key points for spring maintenance
Climate characteristics: frequent sandstorms, large temperature differences between day and night, and increased rainfall
Maintenance priorities: Prevention of wind and sand, corrosion, and water accumulation
Component cleaning and dust prevention
In spring, sandstorms occur frequently. The accumulation of sand and dust will reduce the light transmittance of components. It is recommended to clean the components once a month using waterless cleaning techniques (such as silicone squeegee + anti-static brush) to avoid scratching the glass surface.
For areas with a high incidence of sandstorms, windbreak barriers (such as windbreak nets and green plants) can be set up around the components to reduce the speed of sand and dust deposition.
Inspection of brackets and connectors
Large temperature differences between day and night can easily cause thermal expansion and contraction of metal parts. It is necessary to check whether the bolts of the support are loose and whether the welds are cracked. Pay special attention to inspecting the connection part between the component frame and the bracket to prevent the component from tilting or being damaged due to loosening.
Carry out anti-corrosion treatment on metal parts, such as applying anti-rust paint or replacing rusted bolts.
Drainage system cleaning
In spring, with the increase in rainfall, it is necessary to clean the drainage channels and diversion pipes under the components to prevent water accumulation from soaking the foundation or corroding the supports.
Check whether the installation angles of the components meet the design requirements to ensure that the rainwater can be drained smoothly.
Second, key points for summer maintenance
Climate characteristics: High temperature, strong sunlight, and frequent thunderstorms
Maintenance focus: heat dissipation, lightning protection, and heat spot prevention
Heat dissipation performance optimization
High temperatures will reduce the power generation efficiency of the components. It is necessary to ensure that the heat dissipation channels are unobstructed. Clean the dust and debris on the heat sink, fan and other heat dissipation components to ensure the heat dissipation effect.
For devices equipped with cooling systems (such as inverters), check whether the coolant is sufficient and whether the fans are operating normally.
Lightning protection and grounding inspection
In summer, thunderstorms occur frequently. It is necessary to check whether the lightning protection and grounding system is in good condition. Ensure that the lightning rods and surge protectors (SPDS) are installed in accordance with the standards, and the grounding resistance is ≤4Ω.
Regularly check whether the grounding wires of equipment such as inverters and distribution boxes are loose or corroded.
Prevention of hot spot effect
Under strong light, local occlusion of components is prone to cause the hot spot effect. Check whether there are any obstructions such as bird droppings or fallen leaves on the surface of the components and clean them up in time.
The temperature distribution of the components is detected by using an infrared thermal imager. If local overheating is found (the temperature is more than 20℃ higher than the average value), further investigation into occlusion or damage to the battery cells is required.
Third, key points for autumn maintenance
Climate characteristics: Strong winds, fallen leaves, and a large temperature difference between day and night
Maintenance focus: Prevention of leaf accumulation, prevention of temperature difference stress, system calibration
Prevent the accumulation of fallen leaves and debris
In autumn, fallen leaves tend to accumulate on the surface of components or in drainage channels, affecting power generation efficiency and drainage. It is recommended to clean the surface of the components and the drainage trough once a week to prevent blockage by debris.
For rooftop power stations, it is necessary to clear the fallen leaves at the edge of the roof to prevent them from being blown onto the surface of the components by the wind.
Temperature difference stress inspection
Large temperature differences between day and night can easily cause mechanical stress in components and brackets. It is necessary to check whether the component frame is deformed and whether the glass is cracked.
Check whether the welds and bolts of the support have become loose due to thermal expansion and contraction, and tighten or reinforce them in time.
System calibration and performance evaluation
The lighting conditions in autumn are stable and suitable for system calibration. Use professional equipment to test parameters such as open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of the components to ensure that their output performance meets the requirements.
Analyze the historical power generation data and evaluate the system efficiency (PR value). If the PR value is lower than 75%, problems such as component attenuation and line loss need to be investigated.
Fourth, key points for winter maintenance
Climate characteristics: low temperature, snow accumulation, weak light
Maintenance focus: Prevention of snow accumulation, prevention of freezing cracking, and prevention of low-temperature failure
Snow removal and snow pressure prevention
When the snow thickness exceeds 5cm, it should be cleared in time to prevent the components from deforming or being damaged due to excessive snow accumulation. Flexible snow removal brushes or heating films (power ≤50W/㎡) can be used to assist in snow removal to prevent hard objects from scratching the surface of the components.
For areas with severe snow accumulation, the inclination Angle of the components can be adjusted to over 60° to reduce snow accumulation.
Anti-freezing cracking and low-temperature protection
Low temperatures can cause the battery cells, junction boxes and other components to become brittle. It is necessary to check whether the components have cracks or damages.
For power stations equipped with energy storage systems, it is necessary to ensure that the batteries can operate normally in low-temperature environments. The discharge efficiency of lithium iron phosphate batteries remains ≥80% at -20℃, making them suitable for use in low-temperature regions.
Optimization of low-light performance
In winter, when the light is weak, it is necessary to ensure that the components have good weak light response performance. Give priority to using components with a weak light response coefficient of ≥95% (such as HJT and TOPCon technologies).
Check the MPPT tracking capability of the inverter to ensure that the maximum power point can be quickly locked in when the light fluctuates.
Fifth, key points for year-round universal maintenance
Regular inspection and record-keeping
Conduct a comprehensive inspection once a month, record parameters such as component temperature, irradiance, and power generation capacity, and establish a maintenance file.
Deal with the discovered faults in a timely manner to prevent minor issues from evolving into major ones.
Personnel training and safety
Maintenance personnel need to receive professional training and be familiar with the structure and working principle of the photovoltaic system.
When performing high-altitude operations or live-line operations, safety protective equipment must be worn and operating procedures followed.
Management of spare parts
Stock up on commonly used spare parts (such as components, inverters, connectors, etc.) to ensure timely replacement in case of faults.
Regularly check the status of spare parts to prevent them from being damaged due to improper storage.
