ASSET MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Solar PV systems typically require little ongoing maintenance. Solar is an no maintenance solution however, natural wear and tear over the years can result in poorer operational efficiencies. Undertaking an annual preventative maintenance servicing can ensure that your system delivers optimum performance.


PV systems are exposed to the weather. Within their service life span of 25 years, various faults can develop. The method that Sunpure undertakes for its servicing depends on the type of PV system. Sunpure will primarily review the potential for faults. Circuit diagrams and a technical description of the system are very helpful in this respect, however, Sunpure are often called to work on systems with little data or specification available.


Before Sunpure undertakes any measurements, a visual check of the PV system is carried out, in particular the PV generator. Here we will look for mechanical damage and soiling. The wiring and electrical connections will be checked by our engineers for the following faults which can occur and do not trip any fuse and hence lead to dangerous touch voltages or to arcing:


  • Poor or loose wire connections
  • Earth leakage through insulation faults
  • Short-circuit through insulation faults

Attention will be paid to mechanical and thermal damage and to wires and insulation chewed by animals (such as rodents). The insulation can also be damaged by UV rays, ageing or over-voltages. All insulation ages in the course of time. An insulation fault can lead to arcing and ultimately cause a fire. In Sunpure’s experience the following causes of system faults or failures can occur, listed according to their frequency:


Fault at the inverter


  • Loose wiring connection
  • Defective string fuses
  • Defect with a module and hence partial or total failure of a string (bypass diodes or contacts of individual cells in a module)
  • Defective surge protector
  • Insulation fault

Before remedying the fault Sunpure will check whether fixing the fault is covered by your installation warranty and whether equipment manufacturers’ warranties can be called on (product liability). If this is not the case, a cost estimate for remedying the fault will be made. An inspection log will be produced for the re-commissioning.


Please get in contact with us to book in servicing for your system.