The need for maintenance of a traditional heating system or a complete solution is never questioned; it’s simply taken for granted. Maintenance costs are factored in during the planning stage. For a photovoltaic (PV) system, this isn’t as well-established. One reason for this is the longevity of solar modules, the main component of a PV system. However, their maintenance pays off. This is because a solar panel specialist inspects all system components and connections and replaces them if necessary. This increases the longevity of the entire system, ensuring safe operation and consistently high yields. In this guide, you can learn what specific tasks are included in maintenance, how often it should be performed, its benefits, and what costs you should expect.
What work does photovoltaic system maintenance include?
Maintenance primarily involves a visual inspection of all components—from modules, cables, and lines to inverters and the energy storage system . In addition to checking for proper operation, this also includes identifying weaknesses and faults. The contractor repairs any minor damage on-site or, depending on spare parts availability, shortly thereafter during a follow-up visit. Minor damage or faults may include worn or porous cable insulation, loose screw connections, or terminals. Particular attention is paid to the modules themselves. Thermographic images are used to detect hot spots and defects. The contractor also monitors voltages that could cause glass breakage. Additionally, the PV module surge protection, as well as the mounting system and roof structure, are checked. The final step is a software check. Briefly, the contractor inspects the following components on-site:
- Modules
- Roof fastening and construction
- Cables and connections
- Inverter
- Surge protection
- Energy storage
- Software
How often is maintenance required and is there a maintenance obligation?
Generally, there are no statutory maintenance obligations for private system owners. However, there are for systems used commercially. Whether you maintain your system is entirely up to you. The maintenance interval is also a personal decision. DIN VDE 0105-100 (operation of electrical systems) recommends regular maintenance at four-year intervals. How often a photovoltaic system should be maintained depends on various factors. The discussion below is for informational purposes only. It is best to consult a local contractor.
- Site conditions – Environmental factors, such as pollution, also play a role. Nearby busy roads, large construction sites, or livestock farms require more frequent cleaning and maintenance by the contractor to ensure efficient operation. The type of building can also play a role, as it can pose a potential hazard in the event of a malfunction.
- Insurance – Some insurance companies require regular maintenance. Otherwise, the insurance company may refuse to cover the costs in the event of a claim.
- Installation – The tilt angle is a crucial factor. Systems tilted over 20 degrees exhibit a good self-cleaning effect. Dust and dirt are regularly washed away by rain. If the modules are installed flat, more dirt can potentially accumulate. The installation location is also crucial here.
The optimal cleaning interval depends largely on the cleaning of modules and other components. Dust and dirt accumulate everywhere and can aggravate minor defects or impact system performance. Therefore, cleaning should be performed regularly by a contractor or requested as part of service.
The benefits of maintenance in brief
Although photovoltaic systems require little maintenance due to their long service life, their output declines after a few years. We explained the reasons for this in the previous section. This loss of output often goes unnoticed because it occurs very slowly. To ensure consistently efficient operation over the long term, photovoltaic system maintenance is recommended. In addition to improving performance, it extends the lifespan of individual components and the entire system. Furthermore, faults can be detected early. This, in turn, protects against damage and minimizes the possibility of failures or fires caused by faulty components.
Maintenance costs of photovoltaic systems
Photovoltaic system maintenance costs depend on various factors. The decisive factors are the system size and the required effort. The latter depends on whether extensive repairs are required, whether certain components require additional maintenance, and whether specific site conditions need to be taken into account. Therefore, it’s impossible to quote a fixed fee. It’s best to communicate with the contractor in advance. Discuss repair and follow-up visit prices before the actual maintenance begins. The contractor’s travel expenses and labor costs should also be factored in. Cleaning of the modules often has to be arranged and paid for separately. If you decide to regularly maintain your photovoltaic system, it’s worth considering a maintenance contract . This is often cheaper and will save you from having to find a new contractor each time.
If you rent a photovoltaic system through Viessmann Strom, maintenance work is included in the monthly fee.
