[RE-wrenches] Multi-MW PV Maintenance

[Joel Davidson]

Hello Wrenches,

I have experience performing periodic inspection, maintenance, and cleaning 
of roof-mounted arrays up to 500 kW and smaller ground-mounted arrays, but 
no experience maintaining and cleaning multi-MW ground-mounted arrays. Any 
experiences you can share would be appreciated. Does someone have a written 
procedure?

I would think that first, a review of past performance and any troubles and 
repairs would be in order. Then walking or using a slow-moving vehicle like 
an open golf cart going up and down the rows would be a good way to make a 
preliminary inspection. Stopping and spot-checking fasteners, wiring, and 
connections would be required. Opening up and inspecting cabinets and 
equipment enclosures would be needed. Then using a mobile sprayer to clean 
the subarrays while keeping radio contact with someone monitoring the array 
for current and voltage fluctuations (sort of megging for faults). What do 
you think?

Joel Davidson