SPIS Toolbox - Implement Maintenance Routines

Implement Maintenance Routines

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!