SPIS Toolbox - Implement Maintenance Routines

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Implement Maintenance Routines

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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, enoughwater?);
  2. check theelectronics (any burned parts, loose wires, emergency lights?).

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

  1. energy generated by PVsystem;
  2. pump performance (pumpingrate);
  3. condition of water source (purity of water);
  4. condition of controller and electronics (visible signs ofmalfunctioning);
  5. blockage of drip emitters;
  6. condition of water storage facility and pipes (leaks, waterlevel);
  7. condition of solar panels and their mounting system (stability, cleanness).

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!


Visual check of the solar panels


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, lightening or earth quakes 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 01-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.