SPIS Toolbox - Implement Maintenance Routines

Introduction

The Toolbox on Solar Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) is designed to enable advisors, service providers and practitioners in the field of solar irrigation to provide broad hands-on guidance to end-users, policy-makers and financiers. Risks related to system efficiency, financial viability and the unsustainable use of water resources can thus be minimized. The Toolbox comprises informative modules supplemented with user-friendly software tools (calculations sheets, checklists, guidelines). read more

Modules and tools touch upon:

• assessing the water requirements,
• comparing the financial viability,
• determining farm profitability and payback of investment in SPIS,
• sustainably design and maintain a SPIS,
• highlight critical workmanship quality aspects,
• and many more.

TRAINING

APP

E-LEARNING

TUTORIAL VIDEOS

NEWSLETTER

TOOLBOX DOWNLOAD

HANDBOOK

ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

PASSWORD

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Implement Maintenance Routines

Visual check of the solar panels (Source: Lennart Woltering)

Once the maintenance plan is in place and the responsible persons identified, the maintenance should become a routine.

Critical regular maintenance activities are:

1. Check daily if the system is working. If the pump is not working:

1. check the water source and pipes (any dirt, blockage, enough water?);
2. check the electronics (any burned parts, loose wires, emergency lights?).

2. Inspect the system once a week with respect to:

1. energy generated by PV system;
2. pump performance (pumping rate);
3. condition of water source (purity of water);
4. condition of controller and electronics (visible signs of malfunctioning);
5. blockage of drip emitters;
6. condition of water storage facility and pipes (leaks, water level);
7. condition of solar panels and their mounting system (stability, cleanliness).

3. Clean solar panels every two to four weeks:

1. clean water and a little scrubbing with a cloth covered sponge or soft brush should remove the most persistent grime;
2. clean in the early morning or late evening, when panels are cool;
3. do not step or walk on the panels as they could be damaged.

Note: Hot panels should not be sprayed with cold water – they might crack!

4. Throughout the year (every two to three months) the PV system should be checked thoroughly so that:

1. no plants grow close to the panel, the mounting structure, water source, controller, junction box, etc.;
2. there is no shade on the panels (plants, poles, fences etc.), so as to permit maximum radiation;
3. the fencing of the solar array is not damaged;
4. the mounting structures are stable.

In addition, the reservoir should be cleaned and the irrigation system should be flushed regularly.

Note: Inspect your system always after strong winds, hail storms, lightning or earthquakes have occurred in your region.

After the first experience with a particular maintenance plan, the timing and frequency of maintenance can be adapted to suit the local conditions and capacities of the producer.

Note: Call your technology provider (panels, pumping, and controller) or electrician (electronics) who installed the system for help – this should be part of the service contract.

Outcome/Product

• Maintenance plan;
• Maintenance sheets;
  
• Checklist for visits to farm;
  
• Weekly inspection sheet;
  
• Bi-monthly inspection sheet;
  
• MAINTAIN – Maintenance Checklist.

People/Stakeholders

• Producers /producer groups;
• Agricultural advisors;
  
• Technology and service providers (electricians, companies providing solar powered systems).
  

Important Issues & Decisions

• Maintaining an SPIS does not require advanced technical skills and the overall effort is relatively low, when compared to other technologies.
• It is important to establish inspection and maintenance routines and to schedule them as part of the work plan of the farm.