Operation and Maintenance Plan and Glossary for PV Systems

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Overview

Solar street-lamps in refugee camp in Jordan. Source: IRENA.

One important component for establishing sustainable models for the usage of photovoltaic systems and solar energy installations exists in Operation and Maintenance (O&M). Continuous functioning, lowering of levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and reduction of electronic waste are ensured by frequent O&M of all energy producing installations. Several challenges exist that render the O&M for energy access technologies complex in displacement settings, from the existence of language barriers among refugees, weak presence of solar companies, to the low profitability of operations in camps and settlements.

Background: Energy Access in ESDS Areas

Nguenyyiel Refugee Camp in Ethiopia’s Gambella region, Kalobeyei Settlement in Kenya, Imvepi and Rhino Settlements in Uganda are four of the displacement settings in which GIZ’s Energy Solutions for Displacement Settings (ESDS) supports UNHCR. Improving the energy access for refugees, host community, and social institutions as well as rendering existing energy access solutions in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner are the main measures of this programme.

The ESDS Project areas have no access to grid electricity. As a consequence, the population’s main energy sources are:

• fossil fuel based (tadoobas [a tin kerosene lamp], diesel generators, car batteries, torches, dry cells)
• renewable (individual use: solar lanterns – received mostly through donations, solar home systems; community use: institutional solar, solar street lights)

Due to the geographical remoteness of the displacement settings and the low-income of the host communities and the refugees, most of the renewable energy access has been achieved solely with a focus on products, based on humanitarian sector support, partnerships with private sector for piloting different approaches, or through the consumer’s own acquisition.

Improvements by O&M

Informal repair shop in a refugee camp. Source: Energy for Access Coalition.

Little emphasis has been given to servicing the solar energy technologies, particularly through operation and maintenance (O&M) activities. However, this process should by no means be neglected, as O&M of renewable energy technologies, whether for individual or community use, can:

• Maintain the performance of the system, thus reduce its payback period
• Increase the usability of the system, thus increase appliance diversification and income generation opportunities
• Increase the end-user’s ownership on the asset, thus increase energy access through renewable energy
• Reduce probability of abandonment through intensified use, thus reduce sources for e-waste
• Generate business opportunities. For example, the research showed that third-party repair services for pico-solar devices were thriving, creating informal livelihood opportunities for refugees and host communities.

Challenges of Implementing O&M

The main challenges encountered by the consumer of energy (the private sector, the informal sector and the humanitarian and development actors) with the sustainable introduction and scale-up of O&M are:

• Incentives: the lack of incentives for consumers to operate and maintain their systems, for the private sector to offer after-sales services, and for the humanitarian and development sector to implement an energy service procurement approach,
• Standardization: O&M practices vary across technologies, camps and settlements
• Awareness: The private-sector needs to provide consumers with capacity building, while the humanitarian and development sector needs to raise awareness on the importance of O&M for the sustainable implementation of energy access programs.

Improving O&M in the Humanitarian Sector

To improve the O&M of renewable energy technologies in the humanitarian and development sector (not only as consumers of energy, but also as key actors for enabling a sustainable energy access in displacement setting), immediate and medium-term actions can be identified:

IMMEDIATE – Low Threshold, Rapidly Implementable with Low Effort

• Technical solutions for:
  • Solar streetlights: installation of specialized hardware (GPS, alarms)
  • Solar PV for public facilities: utilization of excess electricity as a charging business to cover O&M expenses
• Energy as a Service:
  • Solar lanterns and solar home systems: by incorporating specific training, after-sales services and recollection clauses in procurement contracts
• Awareness and training: of consumers through visual materials displayed in public and crowded sites, and demonstration campaigns
  
• Inter/intra-institutional working groups: setup in the humanitarian and development sector, to share knowledge, lessons learned and standardize approaches.

MEDIUM-TERM – Require Preparation of Action and Planning

• Technical solutions for:
  • Solar streetlights: incentivize owners of SHS (both households and businesses) to acquire and install an exterior light to act as a safety light
• Energy as a Service:
  • Solar lanterns: incorporating the informal economy in the servicing approach by training the informal sector on standardized O&M practices
  • Solar PV for public facilities: shifting from asset-based procurement to service-based procurement
• Feasibility measurements: on the socioeconomic characteristics of the displacement setting’s end-user
• Inter/intra-institutional working groups: a centralized repository of knowledge, populated with relevant information.

Glossary of O&M and the Maintenance Plan

To begin the process of standardizing O&M practices, two publicly available Excel-based tools have been developed: the Glossary of O&M and the Maintenance Plan. Designed in a simplified logical framework, the tools provide quick and easy understanding of information on the types of O&M practices, most frequent O&M processes, relevant terminology and share of responsibilities between end-users and trained personnel. In the medium-term, the two tools could be digitalized and combined with a voucher system for tracking and repairing renewable energy technologies, in a 3-in-1 mobile phone application.

Glossary of Terms Used in the Operation and Maintenance of Off-Grid Solar System

The Glossary of Terms aims at cataloguing the most common terms utilized in the context of off-grid solar systems (components, storage applications, operation and maintenance). The terms in this glossary are also mapped against different stages of product or system lifecycle. To see a description of the individual sections, please see the table below:

• Solar products and systems
• Off-grid storage
• Fuel generators
• Components
• Financial services for solar products

Term	Description	Manufacturing	Operation	Maintenance	End-of-Life
Accesory	A device supplementing a main device or apparatus, by adding to its functionality as an add-on or exchangeable device.		x	x
Administration of maintenance	Ensures effective implementation, control, and documentation of maintenance services and results.			x
After sales service	After-sales services include all post-sale activities that help customers use and maintain the products. These services include installation of the product, providing technical support to customers, offering warranty coverage, ensuring spare parts availability, and repair service		x	x
Ammeter	The meter / device used for measuring current flowing through a conductor.		x	x
Amorphous silicon	Non-crystalline form of silicon formed using silicon vapour which is quickly cooled.	x
Analogue controls	Controls using variable voltage or current to pass information.		x	x
Assembly	A set of components assembled into a single part		x	x
Availability	Availability is the ratio of time a system or component is functional to the total time it is required or expected to function. It can be expressed as a percentage or proportion.		x	x
Backup protection	Type of protection intended to operate only after the main protective device(s) has failed to operate.		x	x
Base load	The portion of load of a generator or building which is constant.		x	x
Battery-coupled water pumping systems	PV pumping system that consists of photovoltaic (PV) panels, charge control regulator, batteries, pump controller, pressure switch and tank and DC water pump		x	x
Booster Pump	A surface pump used to increase pressure in a water line or to pull water from a storage tank and pressurize a water system.		x	x
Cable Splice	A joint in an electrical cable.		x	x
Centrifugal Pump	A pumping mechanism that spins water by means of an impeller. Water is forced out of the impeller by centrifugal force, thus giving energy (head) to the water.		x	x
Charge controller	The device which regulates amount of current charging the battery and controls the energy produced by PV array.	x	x	x	x
Check Valve	A valve that allows water to flow one way but not the other.		x	x
Circular economy	The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended.	x	x	x	x
Commissioning	The process of “handing-over” the system to the client, i.e., ensuring that all system components have been properly installed, are in good condition and that the system is operating as expected.		x	x
Component	A part of a product that cannot be taken apart without the destruction or impairment of its intended use.	x	x	x	x
Component	A component is a part that cannot be further disassembled except by destructive means. Examples of components include batteries, cables, lighting elements, and plastic housing.	x	x	x	x
Condition-based maintenance	The practice of using real-time information from data loggers to schedule preventive measures such as cleaning or to head off corrective maintenance problems by anticipating failures or catching them early.			x
Connection	A connection forms a relationship between two components.	x	x	x	x
Consumable	Product content that is foreseen to be frequently replaced or refilled during the normal life time of the product, such as filters, lubricants, refrigerants, heat exchange liquids, etc.	x	x	x	x
Corrective maintenance	Required to repair damage or replace failed components.			x
Cradle to Cradle (C2C)	It is a variation of cradle-to-grave, exchanging the waste stage with a recycling process that makes it reusable for another product, essentially “closing the loop”.	x	x	x	x
Cradle to Gate	Cradle-to-gate is an assessment of a partial product life cycle from resource extraction (cradle) to the factory gate (ie, before it is transported to the consumer).	x	x	x	x
Cradle to Grave	Cradle-to-grave is the full life cycle assessment from resource extraction (‘cradle’) to the use phase and disposal phase (‘grave’).	x	x	x	x
Current	The current is the flow of electrons whose unit is ampere.	x	x	x	x
Data Logging	Monitoring and recording key system parameters		x	x
Data Sheet	Data sheets are used to capture process, mechanical, electrical, and control requirements for equipment and instruments.		x	x
Design for disassembly	It involves designing products to maximise the ease with which they can be taken apart for repair or separated for recycling. This involves reducing the complexity and number of tools required, reducing the time taken and minimising any permanent damage to the product.	x		x	x
Design for the environment (DfE)	DfE optimizes a product’s performance over the complete lifecycle. It employs design approaches to reduce the overall human health and environmental impacts of a product, process or service, where impacts are considered across its lifecycle. DfE principles, first introduced by William McDonough Architects and Dr. Michael Braungart in 1992, have been expanded upon and adopted by design professionals, scholars and government agencies.	x		x	x
Diaphragm Pump	A type of pump in which water is drawn in and forced out of one or more chambers by a flexible diaphragm. Check valves let water into and out of each chamber.		x	x
Direct Re-use	Use, by a person other than its previous owner or user, of products for the same purpose for which they were conceived without any preparation for reuse, except minimal cleaning and adjustments that can be performed by the owner themselves (therefore, also called second-hand products).				x
Direct-coupled pumping systems	PV pumping system sized to store extra water on sunny days so it is available on cloudy days and at night.		x	x
Disassemblibility	Characteristic of a product which can be disassembled in several parts without destruction, and subsequently be reassembled (with the same or equivalent parts) and made operational.	x		x	x
Disassembly	A process whereby an item is taken apart in such a way that it could subsequently be reassembled and made operational.			x	x
Disassembly	Disassembly is a process in which a product is separated into its components and/or subassemblies by non-destructive operations.			x	x
Disjointment	A process whereby materials are separated by mechanical means such that the item cannot subsequently be reassembled to make it operational, for example, by cutting, grinding, scratching and abrasive processes.				x
Disposal	Disposal is the process of directing end of life material to discharge, such as incineration or landfill.				x
Downcycle	Downcycle is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of lesser quality and reduced functionality.	x			x
Drawdown	The lowering of the level of water in a well due to pumping		x	x
Drop Pipe	The pipe that carries water from a pump in a well up to the surface.		x	x
E-waste	E-waste is short for ‘electronic waste’ which means electronic goods and their parts that become waste products from formerly functioning electronics such as televisions, mobile phones and solar lights.				x
End-of-Life	End of life (EOL) is the final stage in a product’s lifecycle, once the product is at the end of its useful life.				x
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)	Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach in which a producer’s responsibility for a product is extended to the post-consumer stage of a product’s life cycle. An EPR policy is characterised by (1) shifting responsibility (physically and/or economically; fully or partially) upstream towards the producers and away from governments and (2) the provision of incentives to producers to take into account environmental considerations when designing their products.	x			x
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)	It represents a globally accepted concept for products and waste streams posing significant risks to human health and the environment. This concept says that economic operators placing such products onto the market carry responsibility for the sound end-oflife management of an equivalent amount of waste of such products.	x			x
Fasteners	Fasteners are used to secure the connection between two components. Example of fasteners include screws, clamps and snap-fits.	x	x	x	x
Float Switch	Turns a pump on and off when filling the stock tank. It is wired to the pump controller.		x	x
Flow Rate	The amount of fluid that flows in a given time, normally expressed in units of gallons per minute (gpm) in solar-powered systems.		x	x
Foot Valve	A check valve placed in the water source below a surface pump. It prevents water from flowing back down the pipe and causing the pump to lose prime.		x	x
Full Warranty	Provides full coverage against defective material or workmanship on all parts and any required labour (for 12 months).		x	x
Ground fault	A fault, or insulation failure, in the wire used to create a path to ground.		x	x	x
Grounding	The process of giving electrical lightning surges a direct path to the ground that bypasses valuable equipment.		x	x
Hibernation	Customers often hold on to their offgrid solar products after their end-of-life. This is because when a consumer electronic reaches the end of its useful life it is common for consumers to store it for a period of time. It is a significant barrier to the effective flow of value within the circular economic model.				x
Incineration	Waste incinerators use the process of combustion to convert the waste materials into carbon dioxide and water.				x
Installation Warranty	This is the part of the warranty that is the responsibility of the system installer and covers their workmanship as opposed to the panels or inverters within the system. It is also important to understand whether the installer or solar retailer will assist in enacting any manufacturer warranties should a fault occur with a major system component.		x	x
Interchangeable Components	Interchangeable components are made to specification that ensures that they will fit into any assembly of the same type.	x	x	x	x
Inverter	The purpose of an inverter is to convert the Direct Current (DC) electricity into the form of current suitable for Alternating Current (AC) electrical appliances and/or exportable to the AC grid.	x	x	x	x
Landfill	A landfill is a waste disposal site for the deposit of waste onto or into land.				x
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)	The act of measuring the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its life cycle, from the resources used to create the product or service, across its use by the user, to it's final end of life destination.	x	x	x	x
Lifecycle	A product’s lifecycle refers to the life of a product from its design, raw material extraction and manufacture through its useful life and into its end of life disposal, recycle or reuse.		x	x
Limited Warranty	(12-month) Coverage against defective material or workmanship on all parts (labor costs not included)		x	x
Linear Current Booster (LCB)	Linear current booster optimizes the current in the pump motor while sacrificing the voltage. LCB is especially useful in low sunlight condition as they ensure the solar pump continues to pump water although this might be done at less power. LCB also stabilize the current from the PV panels and ensure your DC water pump is working in low sunlight conditions.		x	x
Maintenance	A set of procedures to ensure the serviceability of a product. It also refers to activities covered under "preventive maintenance" (see definition).		x	x
Maintenance Service Contracts (MSC)	MSC defines the period over which the maintenance (Preventive Maintenance and/or Corrective Maintenance) actions are to be carried out and the payment to be made by the owner of the system to the service provider, over a defined period.		x	x
Manufacturer's Warranty	Otherwise referred to as “limited warranties,” manufacturer warranties are automatically bundled with the purchase of a manufacturer’s product.What makes them “limited?” Manufacturer warranties are only viable for a very specific window of time following the product purchase date. Generally, this time frame ranges from 90 days to an entire year with coverage offered as a product replacement plan rather than a complete repair option.		x	x
Mobile elevating work platform (MEWP)	A mobile machine that is intended to move persons to working positions where they are carrying out work from the work platform with the intention that persons are getting on and off the work platform only at access positions at ground level or on the chassis and which consists as a minimum of a work platform with controls, an extending structure and a chassis.		x	x
Modular	Modular products are designed with well-defined functions and interfaces so that they connect together easily. Modularly designed products can also be disassembled easily without damaging components.	x	x	x	x
Monocrystalline silicon	Silicon manufactured in such a way that if forms a continuous single crystal without grain boundaries.	x
Multi-Stage Centrifugal Pump	A centrifugal pump with multiple impellers arranged in series to produce higher pressure (head).		x	x
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)	Occupational Health and Safety is the discipline concerned with preserving and protecting human resources in the workplace.		x	x
Ohmmeter	The device which measures the resistance and the continuity of an electrical circuit and its components. It measures this resistance in Ohms (Ω).		x	x
Parallel connection	When stringing panels in parallel, each additional panel increases the current (amperage) of the circuit, however, the voltage of the circuit remains the same, and is equivalent to the voltage of each panel. In other words, the voltage isn’t additive.	x	x	x	x
Part	Any component or assembly of the system, excluding software, consumables and accessories.	x	x	x	x
Performance Guarantee	A solar panel performance guarantee establishes a base electricity production over the lifetime of the panels. The amount of electricity a solar panel produces slightly declines every year they are in use. This decline in production is fairly predictable as the power output should not lose more than 10-20% production over the first 25 years. If the panels drop below this at any time, a performance guarantee fixes or replaces any faulty panels so that the system is performing at optimal capacity.		x	x
Performance Warranty	Type of warranty provided by the supplier to ensure that the system as a whole will meet or exceed the design performance for a number of years.		x	x
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.		x	x
Pico products	Pico products include small, portable solar lanterns, flashlights, or lanterns designed to meet basic lighting needs as a direct replacement for kerosene lamps in a small household.	x	x	x	x
Poly- or multicrystalline silicon	Silicon manufactured in such a way that it consists of a number of small crystals, forming grains.	x
Positive Displacement Pump	Any mechanism that seals water in a chamber, then forces it out by reducing the volume of the chamber (e.g., a piston (including a jack), diaphragm, or rotary vane). It is used for low volume and high lift. (Contrast with Centrifugal Pump.)		x	x
Preparation for re-use	A sequence of operations by which products, or parts thereof, are prepared so that they can be used by a person other than its previous owner or user, for the same purpose for which they were conceived. Preparation of Re-use of products includes cleaning, testing, repairing, etc. and can apply to both hardware and software settings and updates. Preparation of re-use of parts or components includes extracting them from the product where they are installed so that they can be used to build or repair other products.		x	x	x
Preventive maintenance	Maintenance carried out according to predetermined technical criteria, indicated in the instructions for use or manufacturers technical documentation, with the intention of reducing the likelihood of equipment failure or degradation of a service rendered.			x
Priming	The process of hand filling the suction and intake pipes of a surface pump with water. Priming is generally necessary when a pump is located above the water source.		x	x
Product/Equipment Warranty	Solar panel equipment warranties cover the physical panels themselves. This includes any manufacturing defects, durability issues, or equipment failure. The warranty typically covers the cost of replacing the faulty or damaged panel with a new working one. Most equipment warranties for solar panels last between 10 - 15 years but some premium panels have warranties for up to 25 years.		x	x
Pump Controller	An electronic device that controls or processes power between the solar array and the pump. It may perform any of the following functions: stopping and starting the pump, protecting the pump from overload, and converting or matching power.		x	x
Re-purpose	To change a product so that it can be used for a different purpose.				x
Re-use	Any operation by which products or parts thereof are used again for the same purpose for which they were conceived.			x	x
Re-use	The use of components and modules obtained from end of life products as spare parts or in other products.				x
Recycle	Recycling is the process of recovering scrap materials from products at their end of life stage and converting them to reusable materials.				x
Refurbish	Processing an end of life product such that its full functionality is restored.				x
Refurbishing	Functional or aesthetical maintenance or repair of an item to restore to original, upgraded, or other predetermined form and functionality.			x	x
Reliability	The ability of a computer-related hardware or software component to consistently perform according to its specifications. It includes solar products and systems, including the digital infrastructure to operate and maintain the products / systems.		x	x
Remanufacture	Production process that creates products using parts taken from previously used products.	x			x
Repair	The process of returning the product to serviceability, sometimes referred to as "corrective maintenance".		x	x
Repair	Repair is aimed at restoring the product’s functionality after its failure. It often includes partial disassembly, component replacement and reassembly.			x	x
Reparability	Characteristic of a product that allows all or some of its parts to be separately repaired or replaced without having to replace the entire product.		x	x	x
Replaceable part	Part of a product, that can be replaced in order to repair or upgrade a product, including replacement of software, accessories and consumables.		x	x
Reusability	Characteristic of a product that allows all or some of its parts or the product as a whole to be used again for the same purpose.			x	x
Reversible connection	Reversible disassembly operations are non-destructive actions that can be accomplished with relative ease, such as screwing and unscrewing or snapping and unsnapping. Reversible connections are important for repairing a product and not damaging fasteners or components.		x	x
Rework	Transforming products, which are not produced according to the standards, into products that meet the standards of properly produced items.	x		x
Safety Data Sheet / SDS (or Material Safety Data Sheet / MSDS)	The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.		x	x
Scaffolding	Scaffolding, also called scaffold or staging, is a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings. These are a solution for working on heights or inaccesible parts of a building during solar PV installations.		x	x
Sealed Piston Pump	A type of pump recently developed for solar submersibles. The pistons have a very short stroke, allowing the use of flexible gaskets to seal water out of the oilfilled mechanisms.		x	x
Self-Priming Pump	A pump that is able to draw some air suction in order to prime itself, at least in theory. (See Priming.)		x	x
Separation (before recycling)	Once a product has reached its end of life, the materials within it need to be separated in order for them to be recycled. The use of glue and other adhesives which prohibit this separation process makes recycling more difficult.				x
Series connection	When stringing panels in series, each panel adds to the total voltage (V) of the string but the current (I) in the string remains the same. So, when considering power output, adding the voltages means that power can increase quickly under ideal circumstances.	x	x	x	x
Serviceability	Serviceability is an expression of the ease with which a component, device or system can be maintained and repaired. Also: "ability of a product to perform the specified functions" [SOURCE: ISO 4306-1:1990, definition 1.2]		x	x	x
Short circuit	A Short Circuit is any current not confined to the normal path. The term comes from the fact that such currents bypass the normal load (i.e., it finds a “short” path around the load).		x	x	x
Signage	Signs that ensure the safety of installed PV systems.		x	x
Solar array mounting system	The equipment used to safely secure the PV modules to the mounting surface or ground.		x	x
Solar cell	Cells in a PV module made from semiconductor materials that convert sunlight to D.C. electricity. When light energy strikes the cell, electrons are knocked loose from the material’s atoms. Electrical conductors attached to the positive and negative sides of the material allow the electrons to be captured in the form of a D.C. current.	x
Solar Panel Warranty	A guarantee from the solar panel manufacturer or installer to ensure production levels and equipment reliability. The performance and equipment guarantees vary between products and solar companies, typically lasting between 10-25 years. A solar panel warranty has two distinct parts: product/equipment warranties and a performance guarantee.		x	x
Solar photovoltaic water pumping (SWP)	Pumping system that uses energy from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to power an electric water pump.		x	x
Solar Tracking System	The tracking system ensures your solar panels are producing at nearly optimum condition during the sun hours. The trackers monitor the position of the sun and move your solar panels to ensure that they are always facing the sun. So your tracker moves the solar panels early in the morning, during the day and late in the evening.		x	x
Spare Part	A part which can replace a faulty, failed or worn-out replaceable part.	x	x	x	x
Subassembly	A connected set of components, such as a circuit board consisting of a PCB and soldered electronic components.	x	x	x	x
Submersible Pump	A motor/pump combination designed to be placed entirely below the water surface.		x	x
Surface Pump	A pump that is not submersible in the water body. It must be placed no more than about 20 feet above the surface of the water in the well.		x	x
Thin Film	Technology used to produce solar cells based on very thin layers of PV materials deposited over an inexpensive material (glass, stainless steel, plastic).	x
Upcycle	To reuse discarded objects or materials in ways that create a new product with higher value than the objects or materials alone.	x			x
Upgradability	Characteristic of a product that allows all or some of its parts to be separately upgraded or replaced without having to replace the entire product.	x	x
Upgrade	A process to enhance the functionality or capacity of a product, including both hardware and software.	x	x
Vane Pump	A positive displacement mechanism used in low volume, high lift surface pumps and booster pumps, also known as a “rotary vane.” It is durable and efficient, but should be used only for pumping clean water due to its mechanical precision.		x	x
Voltmeter	Instrument used to measure difference in potential between two points.		x	x
Warranty / Base Warranty	A warranty is a legal contract which requires the manufacturer to either rectify or compensate for all failures occurring within the warranty period.		x	x

Term	Description	Manufacturing	Operation	Maintenance	End-of-Life
Accesory	A device supplementing a main device or apparatus, by adding to its functionality as an add-on or exchangeable device.		x	x
Administration of maintenance	Ensures effective implementation, control, and documentation of maintenance services and results.			x
After sales service	After-sales services include all post-sale activities that help customers use and maintain the products. These services include installation of the product, providing technical support to customers, offering warranty coverage, ensuring spare parts availability, and repair service		x	x
Ammeter	The meter / device used for measuring current flowing through a conductor.		x	x
Anti-oxidant	Chemical compound used to prevent oxidation (corrosion of metals). Applied to exposed wires and terminals to prevent corrosion.			x
Assembly	A set of components assembled into a single part		x	x
Availability	Availability is the ratio of time a system or component is functional to the total time it is required or expected to function. It can be expressed as a percentage or proportion.		x	x
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) Warranty	Warranties for BESS provide mechanisms for buyers and investors to mitigate the technical and operational risks of battery projects, by transferring the risk of a manufacturing defect or performance issues to the manufacturer or the battery vendor. Warranties are used in the same way for traditional generation technologies, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind. They typically warrant that the BESS components remain free from defects and performance over the course of the warranty period (up to 15 years for long-term warranties), providing that certain operating conditions, usage patterns, and other warranty conditions are met.		x	x
Battery state of charge (SOC)	SOC is the level of charge of an electric battery relative to its capacity. Must be checked on weekly basis as part of preventative maintenance of batteries.		x	x
Battery-coupled water pumping systems	PV pumping system that consists of photovoltaic (PV) panels, charge control regulator, batteries, pump controller, pressure switch and tank and DC water pump		x	x
Cable Splice	A joint in an electrical cable.		x	x
Charge controller	The device which regulates amount of current charging the battery and controls the energy produced by PV array.	x	x	x	x
Circular economy	The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended.	x	x	x	x
Commissioning	The process of “handing-over” the system to the client, i.e., ensuring that all system components have been properly installed, are in good condition and that the system is operating as expected.		x	x
Component	A part of a product that cannot be taken apart without the destruction or impairment of its intended use.	x	x	x	x
Component	A component is a part that cannot be further disassembled except by destructive means. Examples of components include batteries, cables, lighting elements, and plastic housing.	x	x	x	x
Condition-based maintenance	The practice of using real-time information from data loggers to schedule preventive measures such as cleaning or to head off corrective maintenance problems by anticipating failures or catching them early.			x
Connection	A connection forms a relationship between two components.	x	x	x	x
Consumable	Product content that is foreseen to be frequently replaced or refilled during the normal life time of the product, such as filters, lubricants, refrigerants, heat exchange liquids, etc.	x	x	x	x
Corrective maintenance	Required to repair damage or replace failed components.			x
Current	The current is the flow of electrons whose unit is ampere.	x	x	x	x
Data Logging	Monitoring and recording key system parameters		x	x
Data Sheet	Data sheets are used to capture process, mechanical, electrical, and control requirements for equipment and instruments.		x	x
Direct Re-use	Use, by a person other than its previous owner or user, of products for the same purpose for which they were conceived without any preparation for reuse, except minimal cleaning and adjustments that can be performed by the owner themselves (therefore, also called second-hand products).				x
Disassemblibility	Characteristic of a product which can be disassembled in several parts without destruction, and subsequently be reassembled (with the same or equivalent parts) and made operational.	x		x	x
Disassembly	A process whereby an item is taken apart in such a way that it could subsequently be reassembled and made operational.			x	x
Disassembly	Disassembly is a process in which a product is separated into its components and/or subassemblies by non-destructive operations.			x	x
Disjointment	A process whereby materials are separated by mechanical means such that the item cannot subsequently be reassembled to make it operational, for example, by cutting, grinding, scratching and abrasive processes.				x
Disposal	Disposal is the process of directing end of life material to discharge, such as incineration or landfill.				x
Downcycle	Downcycle is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of lesser quality and reduced functionality.	x			x
E-waste	E-waste is short for ‘electronic waste’ which means electronic goods and their parts that become waste products from formerly functioning electronics such as televisions, mobile phones and solar lights.				x
End-of-Life	End of life (EOL) is the final stage in a product’s lifecycle, once the product is at the end of its useful life.				x
Fasteners	Fasteners are used to secure the connection between two components. Example of fasteners include screws, clamps and snap-fits.	x	x	x	x
Flooded led acid batteries	These are the most common lead-acid batteries used in solar applications. They contain vents which allow the resulting hydrogen gas from electrolysis escape. As a result, the electrolyte level will fall over a period of time, and must be monitored and topped up with water, preferably demineralised water.	x	x	x	x
Full Warranty	Provides full coverage against defective material or workmanship on all parts and any required labour (for 12 months).		x	x
Ground fault	A fault, or insulation failure, in the wire used to create a path to ground.		x	x	x
Grounding	The process of giving electrical lightning surges a direct path to the ground that bypasses valuable equipment.		x	x
Hibernation	Customers often hold on to their offgrid solar products after their end-of-life. This is because when a consumer electronic reaches the end of its useful life it is common for consumers to store it for a period of time. It is a significant barrier to the effective flow of value within the circular economic model.				x
Hydrometer	Device used to measure the battery's state of charge (SOC) by determining the specific gravity of the electrolyte.		x	x
Incineration	Waste incinerators use the process of combustion to convert the waste materials into carbon dioxide and water.				x
Interchangeable Components	Interchangeable components are made to specification that ensures that they will fit into any assembly of the same type.	x	x	x	x
Landfill	A landfill is a waste disposal site for the deposit of waste onto or into land.				x
Lifecycle	A product’s lifecycle refers to the life of a product from its design, raw material extraction and manufacture through its useful life and into its end of life disposal, recycle or reuse.		x	x
Limited Warranty	(12-month) Coverage against defective material or workmanship on all parts (labor costs not included)		x	x
Lithium Ion Batteries	A type of rechargebale battery that's generally smaller and lighter for the same capacity, are faster at charging, and are less susceptible to degradation due to charging and discharging compared to other batteries . However, lithium ion batteries have a very high up-front cost and they can be sensitive to extreme temperature and voltages.	x	x	x	x
Maintenance	A set of procedures to ensure the serviceability of a product. It also refers to activities covered under "preventive maintenance" (see definition).		x	x
Maintenance Service Contracts (MSC)	MSC defines the period over which the maintenance (Preventive Maintenance and/or Corrective Maintenance) actions are to be carried out and the payment to be made by the owner of the system to the service provider, over a defined period.		x	x
Mobile elevating work platform (MEWP)	A mobile machine that is intended to move persons to working positions where they are carrying out work from the work platform with the intention that persons are getting on and off the work platform only at access positions at ground level or on the chassis and which consists as a minimum of a work platform with controls, an extending structure and a chassis.		x	x
Modular	Modular products are designed with well-defined functions and interfaces so that they connect together easily. Modularly designed products can also be disassembled easily without damaging components.	x	x	x	x
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)	Occupational Health and Safety is the discipline concerned with preserving and protecting human resources in the workplace.		x	x
Ohmmeter	The device which measures the resistance and the continuity of an electrical circuit and its components. It measures this resistance in Ohms (Ω).		x	x
Parallel connection	When stringing panels in parallel, each additional panel increases the current (amperage) of the circuit, however, the voltage of the circuit remains the same, and is equivalent to the voltage of each panel. In other words, the voltage isn’t additive.	x	x	x	x
Part	Any component or assembly of the system, excluding software, consumables and accessories.	x	x	x	x
Performance Warranty	Type of warranty provided by the supplier to ensure that the system as a whole will meet or exceed the design performance for a number of years.		x	x
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.		x	x
Preparation for re-use	A sequence of operations by which products, or parts thereof, are prepared so that they can be used by a person other than its previous owner or user, for the same purpose for which they were conceived. Preparation of Re-use of products includes cleaning, testing, repairing, etc. and can apply to both hardware and software settings and updates. Preparation of re-use of parts or components includes extracting them from the product where they are installed so that they can be used to build or repair other products.		x	x	x
Preventive maintenance	Maintenance carried out according to predetermined technical criteria, indicated in the instructions for use or manufacturers technical documentation, with the intention of reducing the likelihood of equipment failure or degradation of a service rendered.			x
Re-purpose	To change a product so that it can be used for a different purpose.				x
Re-use	Any operation by which products or parts thereof are used again for the same purpose for which they were conceived.			x	x
Re-use	The use of components and modules obtained from end of life products as spare parts or in other products.				x
Recycle	Recycling is the process of recovering scrap materials from products at their end of life stage and converting them to reusable materials.				x
Refurbish	Processing an end of life product such that its full functionality is restored.				x
Refurbishing	Functional or aesthetical maintenance or repair of an item to restore to original, upgraded, or other predetermined form and functionality.			x	x
Reliability	The ability of a computer-related hardware or software component to consistently perform according to its specifications. It includes solar products and systems, including the digital infrastructure to operate and maintain the products / systems.		x	x
Repair	The process of returning the product to serviceability, sometimes referred to as "corrective maintenance".		x	x
Repair	Repair is aimed at restoring the product’s functionality after its failure. It often includes partial disassembly, component replacement and reassembly.			x	x
Reparability	Characteristic of a product that allows all or some of its parts to be separately repaired or replaced without having to replace the entire product.		x	x	x
Replaceable part	Part of a product, that can be replaced in order to repair or upgrade a product, including replacement of software, accessories and consumables.		x	x
Reusability	Characteristic of a product that allows all or some of its parts or the product as a whole to be used again for the same purpose.			x	x
Reversible connection	Reversible disassembly operations are non-destructive actions that can be accomplished with relative ease, such as screwing and unscrewing or snapping and unsnapping. Reversible connections are important for repairing a product and not damaging fasteners or components.		x	x
Rework	Transforming products, which are not produced according to the standards, into products that meet the standards of properly produced items.	x		x
Safety Data Sheet / SDS (or Material Safety Data Sheet / MSDS)	The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.		x	x
Scaffolding	Scaffolding, also called scaffold or staging, is a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings. These are a solution for working on heights or inaccesible parts of a building during solar PV installations.		x	x
Separation (before recycling)	Once a product has reached its end of life, the materials within it need to be separated in order for them to be recycled. The use of glue and other adhesives which prohibit this separation process makes recycling more difficult.				x
Series connection	When stringing panels in series, each panel adds to the total voltage (V) of the string but the current (I) in the string remains the same. So, when considering power output, adding the voltages means that power can increase quickly under ideal circumstances.	x	x	x	x
Serviceability	Serviceability is an expression of the ease with which a component, device or system can be maintained and repaired. Also: "ability of a product to perform the specified functions" [SOURCE: ISO 4306-1:1990, definition 1.2]		x	x	x
Short circuit	A Short Circuit is any current not confined to the normal path. The term comes from the fact that such currents bypass the normal load (i.e., it finds a “short” path around the load).		x	x	x
Signage	Signs that ensure the safety of installed PV systems.		x	x
Spare Part	A part which can replace a faulty, failed or worn-out replaceable part.	x	x	x	x
Subassembly	A connected set of components, such as a circuit board consisting of a PCB and soldered electronic components.	x	x	x	x
Upgradability	Characteristic of a product that allows all or some of its parts to be separately upgraded or replaced without having to replace the entire product.	x	x
Upgrade	A process to enhance the functionality or capacity of a product, including both hardware and software.	x	x
Valve regulated lead–acid (VRLA) batteries	VRLA batteries are also known as captive electrolyte batteries where the electrolyte material is made immobile (to resemble a gel-like compound). Therefore, it is naturally sealed under normal operating conditions and it is no longer restricted in physical orientation (can be placed in any direction). It reduces the evaporation, spilling and corrosion problems that are common to wet-cell batteries.	x	x	x	x
Voltmeter	Instrument used to measure difference in potential between two points.		x	x
Warranty / Base Warranty	A warranty is a legal contract which requires the manufacturer to either rectify or compensate for all failures occurring within the warranty period.		x	x

Term	Description	Manufacturing	Operation	Maintenance	End-of-Life
Accesory	A device supplementing a main device or apparatus, by adding to its functionality as an add-on or exchangeable device.		x	x
Administration of maintenance	Ensures effective implementation, control, and documentation of maintenance services and results.			x
After sales service	After-sales services include all post-sale activities that help customers use and maintain the products. These services include installation of the product, providing technical support to customers, offering warranty coverage, ensuring spare parts availability, and repair service		x	x
Ammeter	The meter / device used for measuring current flowing through a conductor.		x	x
Assembly	A set of components assembled into a single part		x	x
Asynchronous	Term applied to motors or generators which operate at a speed not fixed by poleage and the supply frequency.		x	x
Attenuators	Devices for reduction of the emission of sound (also known as silencers)		x	x
Auto transfer starter	Transformer switching arrangement to reduce voltage applied to an electric motor during starting.		x	x
Automatic transfer switch	A device used to automatically switch a power supply from normal to emergency when a power failure occurs.		x	x
Availability	Availability is the ratio of time a system or component is functional to the total time it is required or expected to function. It can be expressed as a percentage or proportion.		x	x
Backup protection	Type of protection intended to operate only after the main protective device(s) has failed to operate.		x	x
Base load	The portion of load of a generator or building which is constant.		x	x
Cable Splice	A joint in an electrical cable.		x	x
Charge controller	The device which regulates amount of current charging the battery and controls the energy produced by PV array.	x	x	x	x
Circular economy	The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended.	x	x	x	x
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)	Use of a generating set or sets for the purpose of utilising the heat produced (via the exhaust and the radiator) as well as producing electricity.		x	x
Commissioning	The process of “handing-over” the system to the client, i.e., ensuring that all system components have been properly installed, are in good condition and that the system is operating as expected.		x	x
Component	A part of a product that cannot be taken apart without the destruction or impairment of its intended use.	x	x	x	x
Component	A component is a part that cannot be further disassembled except by destructive means. Examples of components include batteries, cables, lighting elements, and plastic housing.	x	x	x	x
Condition-based maintenance	The practice of using real-time information from data loggers to schedule preventive measures such as cleaning or to head off corrective maintenance problems by anticipating failures or catching them early.			x
Connection	A connection forms a relationship between two components.	x	x	x	x
Consumable	Product content that is foreseen to be frequently replaced or refilled during the normal life time of the product, such as filters, lubricants, refrigerants, heat exchange liquids, etc.	x	x	x	x
Corrective maintenance	Required to repair damage or replace failed components.			x
Current	The current is the flow of electrons whose unit is ampere.	x	x	x	x
Data Logging	Monitoring and recording key system parameters		x	x
Data Sheet	Data sheets are used to capture process, mechanical, electrical, and control requirements for equipment and instruments.		x	x
Diesel bug	The generic term for the microbial growth found within fuel systems and fuel storage tanks. Formed of a variety of different strains of fungi and bacteria.		x	x
Direct Re-use	Use, by a person other than its previous owner or user, of products for the same purpose for which they were conceived without any preparation for reuse, except minimal cleaning and adjustments that can be performed by the owner themselves (therefore, also called second-hand products).				x
Disassemblibility	Characteristic of a product which can be disassembled in several parts without destruction, and subsequently be reassembled (with the same or equivalent parts) and made operational.	x		x	x
Disassembly	A process whereby an item is taken apart in such a way that it could subsequently be reassembled and made operational.			x	x
Disassembly	Disassembly is a process in which a product is separated into its components and/or subassemblies by non-destructive operations.			x	x
Disjointment	A process whereby materials are separated by mechanical means such that the item cannot subsequently be reassembled to make it operational, for example, by cutting, grinding, scratching and abrasive processes.				x
Disposal	Disposal is the process of directing end of life material to discharge, such as incineration or landfill.				x
Downcycle	Downcycle is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of lesser quality and reduced functionality.	x			x
Duty assist	An arrangement where two (or more) generating sets are configured to provide mutual support in case of one piece failing to operate or needing assistance to achieve a required target: If one generating set fails to operate or cannot achieve a required target, the second (and subsequent) generating set will operate.		x	x
E-waste	E-waste is short for ‘electronic waste’ which means electronic goods and their parts that become waste products from formerly functioning electronics such as televisions, mobile phones and solar lights.				x
Electronic governor	Electronic device to control and maintain the speed of an engine.		x	x
End-of-Life	End of life (EOL) is the final stage in a product’s lifecycle, once the product is at the end of its useful life.				x
Fasteners	Fasteners are used to secure the connection between two components. Example of fasteners include screws, clamps and snap-fits.	x	x	x	x
Full Warranty	Provides full coverage against defective material or workmanship on all parts and any required labour (for 12 months).		x	x
Ground fault	A fault, or insulation failure, in the wire used to create a path to ground.		x	x	x
Grounding	The process of giving electrical lightning surges a direct path to the ground that bypasses valuable equipment.		x	x
Incineration	Waste incinerators use the process of combustion to convert the waste materials into carbon dioxide and water.				x
Interchangeable Components	Interchangeable components are made to specification that ensures that they will fit into any assembly of the same type.	x	x	x	x
Landfill	A landfill is a waste disposal site for the deposit of waste onto or into land.				x
Lifecycle	A product’s lifecycle refers to the life of a product from its design, raw material extraction and manufacture through its useful life and into its end of life disposal, recycle or reuse.		x	x
Limited Warranty	(12-month) Coverage against defective material or workmanship on all parts (labor costs not included)		x	x
Maintenance	A set of procedures to ensure the serviceability of a product. It also refers to activities covered under "preventive maintenance" (see definition).		x	x
Maintenance Service Contracts (MSC)	MSC defines the period over which the maintenance (Preventive Maintenance and/or Corrective Maintenance) actions are to be carried out and the payment to be made by the owner of the system to the service provider, over a defined period.		x	x
Mobile elevating work platform (MEWP)	A mobile machine that is intended to move persons to working positions where they are carrying out work from the work platform with the intention that persons are getting on and off the work platform only at access positions at ground level or on the chassis and which consists as a minimum of a work platform with controls, an extending structure and a chassis.		x	x
Modular	Modular products are designed with well-defined functions and interfaces so that they connect together easily. Modularly designed products can also be disassembled easily without damaging components.	x	x	x	x
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)	Occupational Health and Safety is the discipline concerned with preserving and protecting human resources in the workplace.		x	x
Ohmmeter	The device which measures the resistance and the continuity of an electrical circuit and its components. It measures this resistance in Ohms (Ω).		x	x
Parallel connection	When stringing panels in parallel, each additional panel increases the current (amperage) of the circuit, however, the voltage of the circuit remains the same, and is equivalent to the voltage of each panel. In other words, the voltage isn’t additive.	x	x	x	x
Part	Any component or assembly of the system, excluding software, consumables and accessories.	x	x	x	x
Performance Warranty	Type of warranty provided by the supplier to ensure that the system as a whole will meet or exceed the design performance for a number of years.		x	x
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.		x	x
Preparation for re-use	A sequence of operations by which products, or parts thereof, are prepared so that they can be used by a person other than its previous owner or user, for the same purpose for which they were conceived. Preparation of Re-use of products includes cleaning, testing, repairing, etc. and can apply to both hardware and software settings and updates. Preparation of re-use of parts or components includes extracting them from the product where they are installed so that they can be used to build or repair other products.		x	x	x
Preventive maintenance	Maintenance carried out according to predetermined technical criteria, indicated in the instructions for use or manufacturers technical documentation, with the intention of reducing the likelihood of equipment failure or degradation of a service rendered.			x
Re-purpose	To change a product so that it can be used for a different purpose.				x
Re-use	Any operation by which products or parts thereof are used again for the same purpose for which they were conceived.			x	x
Re-use	The use of components and modules obtained from end of life products as spare parts or in other products.				x
Recycle	Recycling is the process of recovering scrap materials from products at their end of life stage and converting them to reusable materials.				x
Refurbish	Processing an end of life product such that its full functionality is restored.				x
Refurbishing	Functional or aesthetical maintenance or repair of an item to restore to original, upgraded, or other predetermined form and functionality.			x	x
Reliability	The ability of a computer-related hardware or software component to consistently perform according to its specifications. It includes solar products and systems, including the digital infrastructure to operate and maintain the products / systems.		x	x
Repair	The process of returning the product to serviceability, sometimes referred to as "corrective maintenance".		x	x
Repair	Repair is aimed at restoring the product’s functionality after its failure. It often includes partial disassembly, component replacement and reassembly.			x	x
Reparability	Characteristic of a product that allows all or some of its parts to be separately repaired or replaced without having to replace the entire product.		x	x	x
Replaceable part	Part of a product, that can be replaced in order to repair or upgrade a product, including replacement of software, accessories and consumables.		x	x
Reusability	Characteristic of a product that allows all or some of its parts or the product as a whole to be used again for the same purpose.			x	x
Reversible connection	Reversible disassembly operations are non-destructive actions that can be accomplished with relative ease, such as screwing and unscrewing or snapping and unsnapping. Reversible connections are important for repairing a product and not damaging fasteners or components.		x	x
Rework	Transforming products, which are not produced according to the standards, into products that meet the standards of properly produced items.	x		x
Safety Data Sheet / SDS (or Material Safety Data Sheet / MSDS)	The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.		x	x
Scaffolding	Scaffolding, also called scaffold or staging, is a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings. These are a solution for working on heights or inaccesible parts of a building during solar PV installations.		x	x
Separation (before recycling)	Once a product has reached its end of life, the materials within it need to be separated in order for them to be recycled. The use of glue and other adhesives which prohibit this separation process makes recycling more difficult.				x
Series connection	When stringing panels in series, each panel adds to the total voltage (V) of the string but the current (I) in the string remains the same. So, when considering power output, adding the voltages means that power can increase quickly under ideal circumstances.	x	x	x	x
Serviceability	Serviceability is an expression of the ease with which a component, device or system can be maintained and repaired. Also: "ability of a product to perform the specified functions" [SOURCE: ISO 4306-1:1990, definition 1.2]		x	x	x
Short circuit	A Short Circuit is any current not confined to the normal path. The term comes from the fact that such currents bypass the normal load (i.e., it finds a “short” path around the load).		x	x	x
Signage	Signs that ensure the safety of installed PV systems.		x	x
Spare Part	A part which can replace a faulty, failed or worn-out replaceable part.	x	x	x	x
Subassembly	A connected set of components, such as a circuit board consisting of a PCB and soldered electronic components.	x	x	x	x
Upgradability	Characteristic of a product that allows all or some of its parts to be separately upgraded or replaced without having to replace the entire product.	x	x
Upgrade	A process to enhance the functionality or capacity of a product, including both hardware and software.	x	x
Voltmeter	Instrument used to measure difference in potential between two points.		x	x
Warranty / Base Warranty	A warranty is a legal contract which requires the manufacturer to either rectify or compensate for all failures occurring within the warranty period.		x	x

Term	Description	Manufacturing	Operation	Maintenance	End-of-Life
Ammeter	The meter / device used for measuring current flowing through a conductor.		x	x
Analogue controls	Controls using variable voltage or current to pass information.		x	x
Assembly	A set of components assembled into a single part		x	x
Battery	A battery is a device which is used to store electrical charge.	x	x	x	x
Booster Pump	A surface pump used to increase pressure in a water line or to pull water from a storage tank and pressurize a water system.		x	x
Cable Splice	A joint in an electrical cable.		x	x
Centrifugal Pump	A pumping mechanism that spins water by means of an impeller. Water is forced out of the impeller by centrifugal force, thus giving energy (head) to the water.		x	x
Charge controller	The device which regulates amount of current charging the battery and controls the energy produced by PV array.	x	x	x	x
Check Valve	A valve that allows water to flow one way but not the other.		x	x
Circular economy	The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended.	x	x	x	x
Component	A part of a product that cannot be taken apart without the destruction or impairment of its intended use.	x	x	x	x
Conduit	A special reinforced tube through which a cable moves.	x	x	x	x
Corrective maintenance	Required to repair damage or replace failed components.			x
Current	The current is the flow of electrons whose unit is ampere.	x	x	x	x
Data Logging	Monitoring and recording key system parameters		x	x
Data Sheet	Data sheets are used to capture process, mechanical, electrical, and control requirements for equipment and instruments.		x	x
Diaphragm Pump	A type of pump in which water is drawn in and forced out of one or more chambers by a flexible diaphragm. Check valves let water into and out of each chamber.		x	x
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)	Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach in which a producer’s responsibility for a product is extended to the post-consumer stage of a product’s life cycle. An EPR policy is characterised by (1) shifting responsibility (physically and/or economically; fully or partially) upstream towards the producers and away from governments and (2) the provision of incentives to producers to take into account environmental considerations when designing their products.	x			x
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)	It represents a globally accepted concept for products and waste streams posing significant risks to human health and the environment. This concept says that economic operators placing such products onto the market carry responsibility for the sound end-oflife management of an equivalent amount of waste of such products.	x			x
Fasteners	Fasteners are used to secure the connection between two components. Example of fasteners include screws, clamps and snap-fits.	x	x	x	x
Foot Valve	A check valve placed in the water source below a surface pump. It prevents water from flowing back down the pipe and causing the pump to lose prime.		x	x
Ground fault	A fault, or insulation failure, in the wire used to create a path to ground.		x	x	x
Hibernation	Customers often hold on to their offgrid solar products after their end-of-life. This is because when a consumer electronic reaches the end of its useful life it is common for consumers to store it for a period of time. It is a significant barrier to the effective flow of value within the circular economic model.				x
Interchangeable Components	Interchangeable components are made to specification that ensures that they will fit into any assembly of the same type.	x	x	x	x
Inverter	The purpose of an inverter is to convert the Direct Current (DC) electricity into the form of current suitable for Alternating Current (AC) electrical appliances and/or exportable to the AC grid.	x	x	x	x
Lifecycle	A product’s lifecycle refers to the life of a product from its design, raw material extraction and manufacture through its useful life and into its end of life disposal, recycle or reuse.		x	x
Manufacturer's Warranty	Otherwise referred to as “limited warranties,” manufacturer warranties are automatically bundled with the purchase of a manufacturer’s product.What makes them “limited?” Manufacturer warranties are only viable for a very specific window of time following the product purchase date. Generally, this time frame ranges from 90 days to an entire year with coverage offered as a product replacement plan rather than a complete repair option.		x	x
Modular	Modular products are designed with well-defined functions and interfaces so that they connect together easily. Modularly designed products can also be disassembled easily without damaging components.	x	x	x	x
Multi-Stage Centrifugal Pump	A centrifugal pump with multiple impellers arranged in series to produce higher pressure (head).		x	x
Parallel connection	When stringing panels in parallel, each additional panel increases the current (amperage) of the circuit, however, the voltage of the circuit remains the same, and is equivalent to the voltage of each panel. In other words, the voltage isn’t additive.	x	x	x	x
Part	Any component or assembly of the system, excluding software, consumables and accessories.	x	x	x	x
Performance Guarantee	A solar panel performance guarantee establishes a base electricity production over the lifetime of the panels. The amount of electricity a solar panel produces slightly declines every year they are in use. This decline in production is fairly predictable as the power output should not lose more than 10-20% production over the first 25 years. If the panels drop below this at any time, a performance guarantee fixes or replaces any faulty panels so that the system is performing at optimal capacity.		x	x
Positive Displacement Pump	Any mechanism that seals water in a chamber, then forces it out by reducing the volume of the chamber (e.g., a piston (including a jack), diaphragm, or rotary vane). It is used for low volume and high lift. (Contrast with Centrifugal Pump.)		x	x
Preventive maintenance	Maintenance carried out according to predetermined technical criteria, indicated in the instructions for use or manufacturers technical documentation, with the intention of reducing the likelihood of equipment failure or degradation of a service rendered.			x
Priming	The process of hand filling the suction and intake pipes of a surface pump with water. Priming is generally necessary when a pump is located above the water source.		x	x
Product/Equipment Warranty	Solar panel equipment warranties cover the physical panels themselves. This includes any manufacturing defects, durability issues, or equipment failure. The warranty typically covers the cost of replacing the faulty or damaged panel with a new working one. Most equipment warranties for solar panels last between 10 - 15 years but some premium panels have warranties for up to 25 years.		x	x
Pump Controller	An electronic device that controls or processes power between the solar array and the pump. It may perform any of the following functions: stopping and starting the pump, protecting the pump from overload, and converting or matching power.		x	x
Re-purpose	To change a product so that it can be used for a different purpose.				x
Re-use	The use of components and modules obtained from end of life products as spare parts or in other products.				x
Recycle	Recycling is the process of recovering scrap materials from products at their end of life stage and converting them to reusable materials.				x
Refurbish	Processing an end of life product such that its full functionality is restored.				x
Repair	Repair is aimed at restoring the product’s functionality after its failure. It often includes partial disassembly, component replacement and reassembly.			x	x
Reversible connection	Reversible disassembly operations are non-destructive actions that can be accomplished with relative ease, such as screwing and unscrewing or snapping and unsnapping. Reversible connections are important for repairing a product and not damaging fasteners or components.		x	x
Rework	Transforming products, which are not produced according to the standards, into products that meet the standards of properly produced items.	x		x
Safety Data Sheet / SDS (or Material Safety Data Sheet / MSDS)	The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.		x	x
Sealed Piston Pump	A type of pump recently developed for solar submersibles. The pistons have a very short stroke, allowing the use of flexible gaskets to seal water out of the oilfilled mechanisms.		x	x
Self-Priming Pump	A pump that is able to draw some air suction in order to prime itself, at least in theory. (See Priming.)		x	x
Separation (before recycling)	Once a product has reached its end of life, the materials within it need to be separated in order for them to be recycled. The use of glue and other adhesives which prohibit this separation process makes recycling more difficult.				x
Series connection	When stringing panels in series, each panel adds to the total voltage (V) of the string but the current (I) in the string remains the same. So, when considering power output, adding the voltages means that power can increase quickly under ideal circumstances.	x	x	x	x
Short circuit	A Short Circuit is any current not confined to the normal path. The term comes from the fact that such currents bypass the normal load (i.e., it finds a “short” path around the load).		x	x	x
Solar cell	Cells in a PV module made from semiconductor materials that convert sunlight to D.C. electricity. When light energy strikes the cell, electrons are knocked loose from the material’s atoms. Electrical conductors attached to the positive and negative sides of the material allow the electrons to be captured in the form of a D.C. current.	x
Subassembly	A connected set of components, such as a circuit board consisting of a PCB and soldered electronic components.	x	x	x	x
Submersible Pump	A motor/pump combination designed to be placed entirely below the water surface.		x	x
Surface Pump	A pump that is not submersible in the water body. It must be placed no more than about 20 feet above the surface of the water in the well.		x	x
Upcycle	To reuse discarded objects or materials in ways that create a new product with higher value than the objects or materials alone.	x			x
Vane Pump	A positive displacement mechanism used in low volume, high lift surface pumps and booster pumps, also known as a “rotary vane.” It is durable and efficient, but should be used only for pumping clean water due to its mechanical precision.		x	x
Warranty / Base Warranty	A warranty is a legal contract which requires the manufacturer to either rectify or compensate for all failures occurring within the warranty period.		x	x

Term	Description	Manufacturing	Operation	Maintenance	End-of-Life
Circular economy	The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended.	x	x	x	x
Financial services for solar products	Decentralized Finance refers to an ecosystem of financial applications that are built on top of a blockchain. Its common goal is to develop and operate in a decentralized way – without intermediaries such as banks, payment service providers or investment funds – all types of financial services on top of a transparent and trustless blockchain network		x	x
Joint-and-several liability	In a joint-and-several liability scheme, producers of a certain product or product group agree to jointly accept the liabilities for waste collection and recycling for a specific product or product group		x	x	x
Joint-and-several liability	Producers agree to jointly accept the liabilities for waste collection and recycling.		x	x	x
Last-man-standing-insurance	An insurance product that covers a producer compliance scheme based on a PAYG approach if all producers disappear from the market. In that situation, the insurance covers the costs of collection and recycling.		x	x	x
Last-man-standing-insurance	This product is part of collective recycling programs. It covers the costs of collection and recycling if all producers disappear from the market by the time the product’s end of life is reached. This is often implemented in combination with the PAYG financing scheme (for example, the implementation of the WEE directive in Germany).		x	x	x
Last-man-standing-insurance	The insurance covers for an unforeseen event of a developer going out of business. In such scenario, the insurance company finances the waste collection and recovery. This is often implemented in combination with the PAYG financing scheme.		x	x	x
Micro-credit	Microcredit is the extension of very small loans (microloans) to impoverished borrowers who typically lack collateral, steady employment, or a verifiable credit history.		x	x
Micro-credit	A part of the field of microfinance, microcredit is the provision of credit services to low-income entrepreneurs. Microcredit can also refer to the actual microloan.		x	x
Micro-finance institution (MFI)	MFIs are defined as different types of organizations that offer financial products and services to the poor, and which range from “non-governmental organizations (NGOs); cooperatives; community-based development institutions (e.g., self-help groups or credit unions); commercial and state banks, insurance and credit card com-panies; telecommunications and wire services; post offices; and other points of sales”.		x	x
Micro-loans	A loan imparted by a microfinance institution to a microentrepreneur, to be used in the development of the borrower's small business. Microloans are used for working capital in the purchase of raw materials and goods for the microenterprise, as capital for construction, or in the purchase of fixed assets that aid in production, among other things.		x	x
Microfinance	Banking and/or financial services targeted to low-and-moderate income businesses or households, including the provision of credit.		x	x
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) (for End of Life Financing)	Cost of collection and recycling is borne by the producer. This is often implemented in combination with the Last-man-standing-insurance scheme (for example, the implementation of the WEE directive in Germany).				x
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) (for End of Life Financing)	The developer pays for the recycling process at the time of waste creation. This is often implemented in combination with the Last-man-standing-insurance scheme.				x
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) (for End of Life Financing)	In a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) approach, the cost of collection and recycling is covered by market participants when waste occurs.				x
Pay-as-you-put (PAYP) (for End of Life Financing)	A pay-as-you-put (PAYP) approach involves setting aside an upfront payment of estimated collection and recycling costs when a product is placed on the market.		x	x	x
Pay-as-you-put (PAYP) (for End of Life Financing)	The pay-as-you-put model requires pre-allocating a fixed amount for the waste management process. For example, First Solar, a leading solar module manufacturer in the United States, uses this approach for recycling the waste from its modules. With the sale of each module, it sets aside a lump sum to meet the estimated future collection and recycling cost of its modules.		x	x	x
Pay-as-you-put (PAYP) (for End of Life Financing)	The producers set aside an estimated cost for collection and recycling waste at the time of sale.		x	x	x
PAYG (for end-user payments)	In a PAYG model, a renewable energy developer or company rents a solar home system (consisting of a PV panel, a charge controller and a battery system) to a consumer, providing the basic energy needed to power general lighting, small appliances and phone charging. Through the PAYG model, companies can automate the receipt of payments, and customers in rural areas and remote locations can get immediate access to basic energy needs. This may be digitally enabled or using physical purchase methods such as voucher schemes.		x	x
Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)	In many countries with mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, companies established Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to jointly organize collection, recycling and a fair distribution of costs. These are established between companies and other market players to collaborate and achieve volumes, and thereby reducing costs.		x	x	x
Voucher schemes	Voucher schemes are demand side or end-user subsidies are targeted to customers with the purpose of directly reducing the retail cost of a product of service and increasing affordability for the poorest and most vulnerable people. Vouchers provide access to pre-defined commodities or services, and may be denominated either in cash, commodity, or service value.		x	x

Operation and Maintenance Plan

The Operation and Maintenance Plan for Off-Grid Solar Systems covers preventive maintenance, best use practices, and common malfunctions and defects experienced for the O&M of pico-solar PV systems, solar home systems (SHS) (including component-based SHS) and solar water pumps. The O&M Plan covers the following topics:

• Maintenance plan for Pico PV Systems (<10W to 15W)
• Maintenance plan for Solar Home Systems (10W - 350W)
• Maintenance plan for Solar Water Pump (SWP) Systems
• Typical warranty terms for Pico PV, Solar Home Systems (including component based and streetlights), and Solar Water Pumps
• List of frequent malfunctions disaggregated by application, cause, maintenance action and resources required to complete recommended action
• Protocols with information applicable to all sections mentioned above, consisting of testing procedures, tools for technicians, and description of 'Skilled Solar PV Technicians'

Each topic is represented as individual worksheet in the Excel document and provide detailed information. The following matrix provide inside on information from the Excel document. Additional information, such as sources and source links, can be accessed through the Excel document.

Worksheet	Description
MP_PicoPV	Maintenance plan for Pico PV systems (<10W to 15W)
MP_SHS	Maintenance plan for Solar PV systems (10W - 350W)
MP_Pump	Maintenance plan for Solar Water Pump (SWP) System
Warranties	Typical warranty terms for Pico PV, Solar Home Systems (including component based and street lights), and Solar Water Pumps
Frequent Malfunctions	List of frequent malfunctions disaggregated by application, cause, maintenance action and resources required to complete recommended action
Protocols	This tab contains information applicable to all the applications, consisting of the following tables:- - Procedures for Testing: Complimentary to 'Frequent Malfunctions' worksheet, indicating procedures for component testing - Technician Toolkit, listing O&M equipment for all fundamental procedures - Description of 'Skilled Solar PV Technician'

 

Tools developed by Raluca Dumitrescu and Daniel Philipp from MicroEnergy Consult for GIZ Energy Solutions for Displacement Settings (ESDS).
For further information contact *****.

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The report can be downloaded here:

Sustainable Operation and Maintenance

Partners

GIZ's Energy Solutions for Displacement Settings (ESDS) project cooperate with UNHCR to enhance the access to sustainable energy in displacement contexts, and the Energypedia page has been created to share learnings across various practitioners to spur the development of clean energy solutions.