Solar Operations and Maintenance
Solar Operations and Maintenance (O&M) is an extremely important function of any solar energy business. Solar installations can be quite the investment, so systems must be kept in good working order. This article will discuss both residential and commercial solar O&M, why it is so crucial, and how to streamline your operations and maintenance processes.
What is Solar O&M?
Solar Operations and Maintenance (O&M) involves the required functions, duties, and labor associated with solar installations and services, in order to keep the energy system operating efficiently. The operations component of solar O&M can involve service and inventory management, whereas the maintenance aspect includes condition-based or predictive, corrective, and preventative maintenance.
Why is O&M Important?
Solar equipment, components, and systems are large factors in a solar investment. This investment is worth it, however, but in order to reap the benefits, you will want to ensure that your systems are well taken care of and working at optimal levels. Routine, preventative, and comprehensive maintenance services can stop potential issues, optimize efficiency, and lengthen the long-term lifespan of your solar panel system.
While the maintenance side of solar operations and maintenance is extremely important, the operational side (which includes asset and service management) cannot be ignored. As the solar energy industry matures, it is more important than ever for renewable and solar system companies to consider implementing reliable technology systems, especially for performance monitoring and regular maintenance.
What are O&M Providers?
An O&M provider, company, or partner is responsible for the continued operations and performance of a solar system. For solar O&M, specific duties include ongoing system monitoring, conducting the real-time and historical analysis involved in predictive maintenance, and other requirements related to site surveys, services, warranty, and repairs.
There are three different types of solar operations and maintenance companies:
Dedicated O&M provider which is a company that system owners can hire to monitor and service your solar panel systems in order to keep them running smoothly;
Solar installer O&M services who will dispatch an individual or team of field technicians to your plant or solar site in order to repair your solar PV systems as needed; and
Inverter monitoring solutions which are often built-in to your products and collect data to indicate when your systems are underperforming.
What is a Commercial vs. Residential Solar System?
A commercial solar system, sometimes also referred to as commercial and industrial or C&I, is a solar energy system for businesses, rather than residential solar which is focused on installing a solar system for homes.
Due to a number of factors, C&I solar projects will not all look the same. In addition to businesses from large corporations to local small businesses, governments, schools and universities, and even nonprofits are good candidates for a solar C&I customer.
Since residential and commercial solar panel systems vary in terms of size, project duration, and equipment, your solar O&M services will depend on whether your system is a small-scale rooftop system or a large commercial installation. Solar O&M for larger C&I installations tends to focus more on preventative strategies, while rooftop installations are typically more reactive.
By monitoring quality, cost, performance, and production, your renewable energy company can properly evaluate your system services and identify areas of improvement. Regular performance monitoring ensures all components of your solar power system work well, minimizing risks and enhancing overall productivity.
There are several ways that solar system owners can prepare for growth and ensure your end-to-end services continue to run smoothly and efficiently, even as you scale your business. If you are considering a solar investment in technology, reach out to our team today. We will provide you with resources, solutions, and customer support specific to the solar industry in order to help you make the most of your long-term investment.
What are the benefits of a good photovoltaic (PV) operations and maintenance plan?
To ensure the longevity of your solar systems, you will want to ensure that they are well taken care of and working at optimal levels. Routine, preventative, and comprehensive maintenance efforts can stop potential problems, optimize efficiency, and lengthen the long-term lifespan of your solar panel system.
The Technicians at Sun America Solar are experienced professionals when it comes to Operations and Maintenance. You can trust that we are properly managing your systems performance to its maximum capability. We offer Maintenance and Monitoring packages that will ensure system optimization. You can rest assured knowing that your assets are functional and meeting your return on investment. Get in contact with us today to schedule a routine solar system checkup.
