o
SOLAR ARRAY AND MOUNTING
Solar arrays are usually maintenance free.
However, a routine service can help to maintain a good energy production
efficiency.
Routine Servicing for
Solar Array AND MOUNTING:
o Clean the dirt and dust accumulated in solar
modules with water and soft mob/cloth during long dry season
o Visual inspection of the modules for any kind
of cracks, discoloration, damage should be done periodically. Note in case of
any such case and contact the service provider for further inspection.
o Check the solar mounting for any kind of
deformation. Note the position of deformation and contact the service provider.
o Check the nut-bolts on the mounting frame for
loosening. Tight them if required. Ensure the mounting and frames are firmly
secured.
o
BATTERY BANK
Battery bank may consist of individual 2V cell
connected in series/parallel or 12V block battery in series/parallel as per the
system requirement and design. Battery bank is the energy storage unit of
the Solar PV system. Even an individual
battery has high energy density; improper leakage of this energy may result in
heavy damage and cause huge loss to life and property. Please follow the
safety precautions around battery bank while routine servicing and maintenance.
Routine Servicing for
BATTERY BANK:
o Cleanliness should be done regularly around
the battery bank to ensure good connection at the terminals as well as
preventing the contamination of the electrolyte while removing the caps. The
frequency of the cleaning should be according to the environment. In places
with high dust density, battery bank should be cleaned monthly. (Follow proper
steps to clean the battery bank.
Steps to clean
the battery bank
§ Isolate the individual cell/block. To do this
first turnoff the charging system. Take proper care while handling battery not
to do short circuit and spill acids.
§ Disconnect the terminals from the posts/bolts.
§ Clean the outer body with gently wet soft cloths.
Be careful not to let water to enter inside cell.
§ Clean the terminals of battery until they are
clean and shiny. If there is corrosion due to rusting, clean the terminals with
baking soda.
§ Rebolt the connection in right terminals.
§ Apply petroleum jelly to the terminals and
cover it with insulating caps.
§ If unable to unbolt the terminals, place a wet
cloth over it for 2-3 hours and open it.
o Checking the Electrolyte level to ensure that
individual cells have enough electrolyte for condition. This is very important
to prevent stratification of the battery bank.
NOTE: Only wet flooded lead acid battery can be refilled with
distilled water.
Steps to check
the electrolyte level
§ Visually inspect the level indicator provided
in the battery.
§ In case required, refill the individual cell
with distilled water.
Do not refill it with tap water or
rainwater collected in metal container.
NEVER REFILL ACID IN THE BATTERY
Follow the given STEPS TO REFILL DISTILLED WATER in the
battery:
C Shut down the load and charging on the system.
C Open the cell cap which requires refilling.
C Slowly add distilled water upto the top level
as shown in indicator.
C Do not top up the cell upto the brim. Leave at
least 2cm gap between brim and electrolyte level for gassing.
C Put back the cap.
C Refill other cells turn by turn
C Charge the battery bank for at least one day
before reconnecting to the load.
o Equalization charging should be done monthly
to prevent hard sulphation inside the cell. This is usually programmed in the
charge controller itself.
o Check the Battery State of Charge by measuring
voltage. Voltage at the terminals during various condition like instantly after
charging, instantly after low voltage shutdown, etc should be measured and
recorded in big systems to study the condition of the battery. Keep a battery
voltage log sheet for recording. DO NOT
USE LOWLY DISCHARGED BATTERY without fully recharging. Such practices may
hamper the battery life.
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