Photovoltaic operation and maintenance channel support

Do photovoltaic systems need maintenance?

The expansion of photovoltaic systems emphasizes the crucial requirement for effective operations and maintenance, drawing insights from advanced maintenance approaches evident in the wind industry. This review systematically explores the existing literature on the management of photovoltaic operation and maintenance.

What is operation & maintenance (O&M) of photovoltaic (PV) systems?

This guide considers Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of photovoltaic (PV) systems with the goal of reducing the cost of O&M and increasing its effectiveness. Reported O&M costs vary widely, and a more standardized approach to planning and delivering O&M can make costs more predictable.

Why should a roof maintenance provider meet with a PV O&M team?

Failure to provide for maintenance of a roof system may result in roof-system failure, thereby necessitating PV system removal for roof repair/replacement, which is bad for the prospects of the PV system. By meeting, the roof maintenance provider can share particular areas of concern with the PV O&M team, and vice versa.

How does operations & maintenance affect PV investment?

A major influence on risk and return for PV is operations and maintenance (O&M)—but O&M practices and costs vary widely across the United States, making these variables difficult for investors to predict. To address this barrier to continued PV investment, the PV O&M Working Group has developed a new best-practices guide for PV O&M.

What are NREL's best practices at the end of photovoltaic system performance period?

NREL’s Best Practices at the End of the Photovoltaic System Performance Period report includes recommendations for system owners, asset managers, and industry service providers regarding the handling and disposal of waste, including reuse and recycling of PV modules and other components as a way to reduce environmental impact.

How competitive is PV plant operation & maintenance?

The world of PV plant operation and maintenance (O&M) is increasingly competitive, reflected clearly by a significant drop in the O&M service fee over the last decade; e.g. Bloomberg New Energy Finance has reported a drop of 73% of average full-scope O&M price in Europe be-tween 2011 and 2017.