SPIS Toolbox - Implement Maintenance Routines

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3. 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.