Aging detection and maintenance of solar panels is the key to ensuring their long-term and efficient operation. The following are the key points of testing and maintenance:
First, aging detection points
1. Check appearance
Surface damage: Observe the surface of the panel for cracks, scratches, discoloration or corrosion, especially the integrity of the frame and glass cover.
Connecting parts: Check whether the junction box, cable, and connector are loose, aged, or damaged, and ensure that there are no overheating signs.
Foreign body occlusion: Clean the dust, bird droppings, fallen leaves and other occlusions on the surface of the panel to avoid the hot spot effect caused by local shadows.
2. Performance detection
Electrical performance test: Use professional instruments to measure the open circuit voltage, short circuit current, maximum power point (Pmax) and other parameters of the panel, and compare with the factory data to evaluate the power attenuation.
Thermal imaging detection: The infrared thermal imager scans the surface of the panel to find abnormal temperature areas (such as heat spots) and locate potential failure points.
Electroluminescence (EL) detection: in the dark room through the EL tester to detect the micro cracks, hidden cracks, black core and other defects inside the battery, suitable for component level aging analysis.
3. Environmental adaptability test
Wet heat aging test: Simulate high temperature and high humidity environment, test the insulation performance of the panel and the weatherability of the packaging material.
Mechanical load test: evaluate the structural stability of the panels under the action of external forces such as wind pressure and snow load.
Uv aging test: Testing the UV resistance of packaging materials (such as EVA film) to avoid yellowing and delamination.
Second, maintenance points
1. Clean regularly
Cleaning frequency: Cleaning every 1-6 months depending on environmental conditions (e.g. dust, haze, bird activity).
Cleaning method: Use a soft brush or mild detergent (avoid alkaline or corrosive solvents), wipe from the edge of the panel to the center to prevent water stains.
Automated cleaning: In large power plants, consider installing automatic cleaning robots or spray systems.
2. Electrical system maintenance
Check cable connections: Check cable connections every six months, tighten loose bolts, and replace aging or corroded terminals.
Grounding protection: Ensure that the grounding resistance is less than 4 ohms to prevent lightning strikes and leakage accidents.
Inverter maintenance: Periodically clean the cooling fan of the inverter and check the DC input and AC output parameters to avoid overload operation.
3. Structure and support maintenance
Bracket fastening: Check bracket bolts and welding points every year to prevent corrosion or loosening that causes the panel to tilt.
Wind reinforcement: in typhoon or strong wind areas, increase the diagonal brace or cable to improve the wind resistance.
Anti-corrosion treatment: the metal bracket is galvanized or sprayed with anti-corrosion paint to extend the service life.
4. Data monitoring and analysis
Real-time monitoring: Through the monitoring system (such as SCADA) real-time collection of power generation, voltage, current and other data, timely detection of anomalies.
Data analysis: Compare historical data, analyze power attenuation trend, and predict panel life.
Fault warning: Set the alarm threshold (for example, the power drops by more than 10%) and arrange maintenance in time.
Third, special scenario maintenance
High temperature areas: Increase panel spacing to reduce the risk of heat spots; Use high reflectivity backplane material.
High altitude area: check insulation performance to prevent corona discharge; Use UV-resistant packaging materials.
Salt spray environment: Use anti-corrosion brackets and junction boxes to regularly clean salt deposits.
Fourth, maintenance tools and security
Professional tools: insulation gloves, multimeter, infrared thermal imager, EL tester, etc.
Safe operation: maintenance after power failure to avoid electric shock; Wear a safety belt when working at altitude.
Fifth, the prevention and optimization of aging
Selection of high-quality materials: such as anti-PID (potential induced attenuation) battery, high light transmittance glass, weather resistant EVA film.
Optimized system design: reasonable allocation of inverter capacity to avoid overload; MPPT (Maximum power Point tracking) technology is used to improve power generation efficiency.
Regular training: improve the skills of operation and maintenance personnel to ensure standardized operation.
Through scientific aging detection and maintenance, it can significantly extend the service life of solar panels, reduce power generation losses, and ensure the long-term stable operation of photovoltaic systems.
PowerGlow focuses on helping Kiwi families and businesses harness solar energy for sustainable living. With extensive experience, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service, making clean energy easy and accessible for everyone.Official website addresshttps://powerglow.co.nz/
