Solar Operations
What is solar operations and why should I worry about it?
Proper operations of your solar PV system begin from the day it is first built. We recommend taking the time to build it right, emphasizing quality over speed and emphasizing experienced, certified solar installers over workers who average less than 12 months on the roof. If your project has encountered build quality problems, we can help correct the mistakes.
Commissioning
Once the project is completed, your system should be tested and documented as part of the Commissioning process. This all important procedure determines if your system is actually producing the power that it was designed for. An underperforming system means you get less return on your investment.
What should be done?
Complete a Quality Control Checklist which requires a visual and a mechanical check of all system components. This is provided to the system owner as a permanent record.
Isolate and test each array string of panels and record the data to show performance before it is placed into service with all other array strings.
Test array strings for insulation resistance to ensure the wires are in good shape and not pinched between metal parts which can lead to a ground fault.
Perform IV-Curve Tracing to prevent problems such as reduced voltage, reduced current, and module mismatch losses due to shading, soiling, cell damage or module damage.
Test continuity of array components to ensure proper grounding.
Conduct inverter commissioning and verify the monitoring system works.
Record baseline data to establish a history of performance in case module warranty claims must be made in the future.
Re-commissioning
Major system upgrades should also go through the same base line quality control checks and commissioning procedures to ensure power output as well as documenting the latest performance to establish a history for warranty purposes.