Innovative maintenance strategies for solar efficiency

Solar panel maintenance strategies in India are essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of solar installations, particularly in the country’s diverse and often challenging environmental conditions. Implementing self-cleaning coatings, automated cleaning robots, and water-efficient cleaning methods can optimise energy generation and reduce water consumption in various ways.

Ttimely optimising self-cleaning solar panels

Robotic cleaning systems utilise brushes, squeegees, or microfiber pads to automate cleaning, systematically removing dust and dirt from the panel surface. Self-cleaning coatings with repellent properties help prevent the accumulation of dirt, dust, and contaminants on solar panels. Water-efficient cleaning methods involve automated and manual sprinkler systems, which can be operated at specified intervals, duration, and frequency, effectively controlling water usage. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the buildup of a thick dust layer, which would require more water to remove. By employing these strategies, energy generation can be enhanced while minimising water consumption.

Nitin Barvaliya, General Manager of Pahal Solar, claims that using self-cleaning coatings is one of the promising approaches to solar panel maintenance. He states, “These coatings are designed to repel dust, dirt, and other particles that can accumulate on solar panels, reducing the need for frequent manual cleaning. By minimising the accumulation of debris, self-cleaning coatings help maintain optimal performance and maximise energy output.”

Major Priyanka Gupta, Co-Founder of Visol Renewable Energy Solutions, says, “Robotic devices equipped with brushes, squeegees, or microfiber pads are being used to automate the cleaning process. These robots are programmed to move systematically across the panel surface, scrubbing away the dust and dirt accumulated over the surface.”

According to Siddharth Gangal, CEO of The Solar Labs, “Cleaning the solar panels is simple but time-consuming. It guarantees that the solar cells receive the greatest amount of insolation and are not hindered. Clean solar panels are essential for maximising energy output. Cleaning the glass on the panels is a straightforward task that may be repeated depending on the amount of accumulated debris. Clean the panels with a gentle cloth or wash rag and biodegradable soap. If you’re merely dealing with dust, you may spray the panels with water.”

Maintenance strategies

Proactive maintenance, also known as preventive maintenance, is crucial in ensuring the proper upkeep of PV plants. It involves conducting regular inspections and verification activities to adhere to OEM recommendations and uphold warranties. The O&M contract should clearly outline the scope and frequency of these tasks. Maintenance activities are performed based on predetermined intervals or OEM guidelines, with an annual Maintenance Plan specifying the timing and iterations. Ad-hoc replacements and nighttime downtime for preventive maintenance can be scheduled as necessary.

Developing proactive maintenance strategies for solar projects encompasses several key elements, including regular inspections, predictive maintenance, establishing schedules, implementing monitoring systems, providing staff training, engaging with manufacturers, and continuously improving based on historical data. These strategies are designed to optimise performance, extend equipment lifespan, reduce costs, and maximise ROI for solar projects.

Nitin advises, “Install advanced monitoring systems that provide real-time data on the performance of your solar project. This allows you to identify any deviations from expected energy generation levels and promptly address them.”

On the other hand, Siddharth explains that by integrating a solar panel monitoring system into your setup, you can measure the electricity production of your panels on any given day and track their performance over time. “This data allows you to assess how various external factors impact your panels’ efficiency and how well they maintain their performance over the long term. The monitoring system will alert you if a panel breaks or malfunctions, enabling you to fix or replace it promptly.”

Thermal imaging and advanced infrared technologies

Thermal imaging is a valuable tool utilised in PV plants to detect faults in components that may not be visually detectable. Before conducting the infrared (IR) scan, it is crucial to confirm the operability of the PV array. In India, the combination of thermal imaging and drone technology has revolutionised solar panel inspections. Drones with thermal imaging cameras can identify hotspots, defects, and degradation issues, enabling timely maintenance interventions. By capturing images of temperature variations, these tools effectively pinpoint problem areas. Drones offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for inspecting large areas and accessing challenging locations. Adopting thermal imaging and drone technology significantly enhances solar panel performance and longevity, thus contributing to India’s renewable energy goals by boosting solar energy efficiency and reliability.

Adding to this, Major Priyanka emphasises, “By analysing heat differences captured by drones, solar operators can easily identify any anomalies in the solar modules. The thermal imaging cameras in the drones play a key role in detecting malfunctions and other abnormal conditions in the system based on temperature differences.”

Nitin further comments, “Drones also eliminate the need for manual inspections, which can be time-consuming and costly. Drones provide a more efficient and cost-effective solution by covering large areas in less time. Additionally, they can access hard-to-reach or hazardous locations without putting personnel at risk.”

Solar panel coating and solar cell technology

Photovoltaic (PV) technology faces challenges in outdoor climates, but advancements are being made to improve performance and stability. Encapsulation using materials like EVA enhances the device’s lifetime by creating a protective barrier against oxygen and moisture. CIGS solar shingles offer durability and flexibility. Anti-reflective coatings, such as silicon nitride and silicon carbide, minimise reflection and maximise light absorption. 

Nitin stated, “Recent research and development efforts have been conducted to study new encapsulant materials such as fluorine-doped tin oxide nanocoatings, carbon nanotube films, and titanium dioxide, known for their durability and longevity in harsh environmental conditions.”

Major Priyanka commented on EVA as one of the most popular encapsulant brands, “EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) is the most used encapsulant material. EVA comes in thin sheets between the solar cells, top surface, and rear surface. This sandwich is then heated to 150 °C to polymerise the EVA and bond the module together.”

Durable encapsulants like fluorine-doped tin oxide nanocoatings and carbon nanotube films withstand harsh conditions. Improved cell technologies like PERC and FRC configurations increase performance by reducing recombination losses and increasing light absorption. These advancements aim to enhance solar panels’ durability, efficiency, and longevity.

Spokesperson and Quotes:

“Encapsulation and improved cell technologies increase panel performance and longevity.” – Major Priyanka Gupta, Co-Founder, Visol Renewable Energy Solutions.

“Self-cleaning coatings are one of the promising approaches to solar panel maintenance.” – Nitin Barvaliya, General Manager, Pahal Solar

“Regular cleaning guarantees maximum insolation for optimal energy generation.” – Siddharth Gangal, CEO, The Solar Labs