Service improves solar power generation plant reliability

Regardless of whether the equipment was originally supplied by AEG PS or another vendor, PV Care Check allows solar plant operators can guarantee the availability of their equipment and ensure reliable operation.

AEG PS’ service technicians carry out functional tests to identify any problems or issues and perform a visual inspection from the module up to the grid connection. Quick repairs are done immediately, while more serious issues are documented in a report, which includes a list of recommended measures to guarantee the long-term optimal yield of the power plant.

The inspection package can include visual inspection, performance test, removal of organic and inorganic contaminants, computerised digital error diagnosis and temperature analysis, as well as a review of maintenance protocols. Defective modules are checked for typical errors, including cell fractions, insulation faults, hotspots, delaminating and discolouration.

Dr. Stefan Kempen, Product Manager, Advanced Power Systems, AEG Power Solutions, commented: “AEG Power Solutions is known throughout the industry for our service teams’ short response times and effective troubleshooting. Problems exist in 80% of solar plants in operation, with a wide range of possible errors that can considerably reduce the yield of the plant, and in the most severe cases can lead to life-threatening voltages - PV Care Check helps solve these problems.”

AEG PS also tests the system using insulation measurement, and looks for mechanical imperfections, such as loose connections and corrosion that can lead to ground-faults and outages. Services provided as part of PV Care Check can include optical scanning, cleaning of the inverter, thermography for detection of hotspots to the network analysis and upper shaft assessment (THDI/THDU).