The main maintenance requirements for solar trackers focus on ensuring their mechanical, electrical, and control systems function reliably over time. Key elements include:
Routine Inspections and Preventive Maintenance
- Visual inspections of the tracker mast, frame, overall structure, PV panels, load centers, electrical wiring, grounding, control boxes, and conduit to identify any damage, fatigue, loose connections, or moisture intrusion; typically done annually.
- Inspection of hydraulic or mechanical systems, including tilt cylinders, yaw motors, hoses, fittings, checking for leaks, topping off, or replacing hydraulic fluid as needed—also on an annual basis.
- Calibration of tracker alignment yearly to ensure the solar panels accurately follow the sun’s path for optimal energy capture.
- Inspection of site conditions, including vegetation, erosion, shading, and accessibility to prevent obstruction of tracker movement or energy production issues.
Mechanical Maintenance
- Lubrication or greasing of moving parts, such as ring gears and actuators, usually per manufacturer recommendations, for example approximately every three years or as needed. This reduces wear and prevents mechanical failure.
- Cleaning of solar panels several times a year (2-4 times recommended) to remove dust, dirt, and debris that could reduce efficiency; cleaning should be done carefully using non-abrasive tools and ideally when panels are cool.
Electrical and Control Systems
- Routine checks and preventive maintenance of Tracker Control Units (TCUs) and related electronics, with at least annual preventive servicing to maintain software and hardware performance.
- Software updates for control systems to improve functionality and fix bugs, ensuring the tracker operates smoothly.
- Remote monitoring of system data and communications, including GPS and sensors, to detect and address performance issues proactively.
Additional Maintenance
- Inverter maintenance such as cleaning cooling fins and screens annually to ensure electrical efficiency and prevent overheating.
- Upgrades to hardware or software as recommended by manufacturers to keep the tracker system current and efficient.
In summary, solar trackers require a combination of scheduled visual inspections, mechanical lubrication, electrical and control system maintenance, panel cleaning, and occasional updates or upgrades. This comprehensive maintenance regimen supports reliable, long-term high performance of the solar tracker system.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-maintenance-requirements-for-solar-trackers/
