Solar Operations and Maintenance for Commercial Properties
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One key qualification to consider when selecting a solar partner to install your system is whether they have an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) or service department. Since solar is a long-term asset with an expected lifecycle of 30 plus years, ongoing O&M should be considered up front. A trusted O&M partner will maximize your system’s energy output and therefor the return on your investment.
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O&M Services
Once your system has been built and energized, it is handed off to the O&M team for monitoring and maintenance services throughout its life. The scope of ongoing O&M services is normally flexible and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Below are some typical services that should be considered to ensure ongoing returns on your investment.
Monitoring & Preventative O&M
Routine monitoring and preventative maintenance are key to ensuring your system is operating at peak performance. These services can include:
- Annual preventative maintenance: An annual or biannual comprehensive site visits to identify and resolve safety, production, or workmanship concerns, and to perform manufacturer-recommended maintenance activities.
- Remote monitoring: Weekly remote monitoring of your system and coordination to remedy any issues. This allows for quicker troubleshooting, minimizes system downtime, and provides peace of mind to system owners.
Corrective Maintenance
Just like any building or vehicle asset, a solar array requires repairs from time to time. Solar owners should plan for an unexpected service visit at least every two years. A few examples of these visits include:
- System outages: The most common maintenance need is a system outage due to electrical faults within the building service. Your solar partner can reset the system.
- Equipment warranty claims: Your solar partner should be able to assist in filing and completing equipment warranty claims with manufacturers.
Inverter Replacements
You should expect to replace the system’s inverter(s) by year 15. A reputable solar O&M partner can support this work.
The Importance of O&M
Solar is an asset that can provide significant financial benefits over its 30-year lifecycle. Especially if you properly maintain the system with ongoing O&M activities. Look for a local solar partner that can give you the best services up front during design and installation of your system as well as high-quality services once your system is up and running with an experienced in-house O&M team.
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Matt Herman is co-owner and director of O&M services at Namaste Solar.
[email protected] 720.305.4532 x 229