Revision: 3.0
Date: December 2018
The goal of this guide is to reduce the cost and improve the effectiveness of operations and maintenance (O&M) for photovoltaic (PV) systems and combined PV and energy storage systems. Reported O&M costs vary widely based on the requirements of the system and the nature of the O&M contract, but a more standardized approach to planning and delivering O&M has the potential to both decrease costs and make those costs more predictable over time. However, the bigger payoff for improved O&M is increased performance. Actuarial data indicate that comprehensive PV-only system O&M could improve the average performance ratio (PR, adjusted for age and temperature) of systems from 91.7 to at least 95%, which is a substantial increase in revenue and environmental benefits of a PV system (oSPARC 2018). Drivers to improve O&M include the following: increase efficiency and energy delivery (kWh/kW), decrease downtime (hours/year), extend system lifetime (e.g., from 25 to 40 years for PV modules), reduce cost of O&M ($/kW/year), ensure safety and reduce risk, enhance appearance, and meet requirements of financing and warranties.
Best Practices for Operation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems; 3rd Edition
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SunSpec Alliance is the information standards and certification organization for the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) industry. SunSpec communication standards address operational requirements of solar and energy storage on the smart grid.