Anthony Maguire explores why maintenance plays a key role in ensuring solar efficiency 

With the ongoing global shift to renewable energy, solar power continues to emerge as a leading force in the transition to a low-carbon future. Photovoltaic (PV) systems provide great potential but are underperforming enormously due to a lack of proper maintenance. In 2024, RaptorMaps, the solar asset management company, found that worldwide, underperforming solar PV systems are estimated to have led to $4.6 billion in preventable losses in 2023. 

Solar maintenance is an often-overlooked practice that can be crucial to the long-term success of an asset, maximizing both financial returns and energy efficiency of an asset.

Key benefits of maintenance 

A well-maintained solar system operates reliably and works as intended by ensuring every panel’s output and lifespan is fully optimized. Through regular solar maintenance, photovoltaic (PV) systems operate at peak efficiency, leading to maximized energy production and prolonged system lifespan. 

Beyond physical upkeep, it’s crucial to monitor a system’s performance against the expected performance ratio (PR) outlined in contractual agreements. The PR is a metric that compares the actual output of a solar system to its theoretical maximum, accounting for losses due to factors like temperature, shading, and system inefficiencies. 

By routinely assessing this ratio, stakeholders can verify that the system delivers the anticipated return on investment (ROI). Deviations from the expected PR can indicate underlying issues, prompting timely interventions that prevent revenue losses and ensure the system remains within warranty conditions. 

Regular maintenance also ensures the safety of solar installations by helping to mitigate any risks posed by potential hazards that can be caused by wear or electrical faults. 

Cost-effective processes 

Implementing a centralized data management platform is among the most cost-effective strategies for solar PV maintenance. Such platforms consolidate data from various components like inverters, sensors, and meters into a unified dashboard, facilitating real-time monitoring and analysis. 

Through automating ROI calculations within this system, landlords and asset owners can continuously assess the financial performance of their solar systems, enabling quick identification of underperforming assets. This stops any major failures in the system being overlooked, reduces downtime, and prevents potentially expensive repairs by avoiding major breakdowns in the system. 

Additionally, routine practices like panel cleaning, visual inspections for physical damage, and scheduled inverter diagnostics are essential. These measures ensure any dirt or debris is removed and highlight any physical damage in the system. The availability of data-driven insights ensures timely maintenance actions, thereby extending the system’s operational life and optimizing financial returns. By leveraging this data, repairs are optimized and planned for off-peak times to reduce disruptions. 

To optimize solar PV systems, asset owners must remotely monitor their systems to always ensure enhanced performance and maintenance. 

Consequences of neglecting maintenance 

Neglecting solar maintenance results in expensive long-term issues which would have otherwise been easily prevented. Long-term complications include cases of accumulated dirt and debris on panels which reduce sunlight absorption, diminishing energy output. Without regular checks, panels are bound to degrade at an accelerated rate, resulting in a shortened lifespan. 

Unchecked electrical connections may corrode over time, leading to inefficiencies or system failures. Inverters, which are critical for converting DC to AC power, can malfunction without periodic checks, resulting in significant downtime. As a result, inverters would eventually fail to convert electricity efficiently leading to energy loss or even potential system shutdowns. 

Furthermore, undetected issues can void manufacturer warranties, leading to increased repair costs. Collectively, these problems not only decrease the system’s efficiency and lifespan but also erode the financial benefits initially anticipated from the asset owner’s investment in solar. 

Solar’s ongoing role 

Solar energy is essential in the global energy transition and continues to grow rapidly, reflective of its popularity due to reliability and affordability. According to SolarPower Europe’s annual EU Market Outlook for Solar Power in 2024, the EU added a record 65.5 GW of new solar capacity, bringing the cumulative total to 338 GW. For the first time, solar power generated more electricity than coal across the EU, contributing 11 percent to the electricity mix compared to coal’s ten percent. 

Projections suggest the EU is on track to reach 400 GW of installed solar capacity by the end of 2025 and 750 GW by 2030. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in its Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS), solar PV is expected to contribute around 20 percent of global electricity generation by 2040. 

Without proper maintenance, solar cannot reach its maximum potential and will result in loss of both energy and investment. Companies and landlords relying on solar PV must prioritise regular and cost-effective maintenance practices to ensure solar remains reliable and safe. Without careful operation and maintenance of solar PV systems, asset owners are compromising safety and leaving money on the table, delaying a worthwhile return on their investment.  

Anthony Maguire 

longevity-power.com 

As Managing Director at Longevity Power, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, Anthony Maguire develops customized renewable energy strategies that help businesses navigate the complexities of the global energy transition. Longevity Power offers strategic advisory, project management, and full turnkey services for both onsite and offsite projects, including electric vehicle charging.