What is operation & maintenance (O&M) of photovoltaic (PV) systems?

This guide considers Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of photovoltaic (PV) systems with the goal of reducing the cost of O&M and increasing its effectiveness. Reported O&M costs vary widely, and a more standardized approach to planning and delivering O&M can make costs more predictable.

Do photovoltaic systems need maintenance?

The expansion of photovoltaic systems emphasizes the crucial requirement for effective operations and maintenance, drawing insights from advanced maintenance approaches evident in the wind industry. This review systematically explores the existing literature on the management of photovoltaic operation and maintenance.

Why is maintenance important in PV systems?

The importance of maintenance in PV systems has garnered significant interest, prompting research and initiatives from various institutions to establish “best practices” for the O&M of PV systems .

How does operations & maintenance affect PV investment?

A major influence on risk and return for PV is operations and maintenance (O&M)—but O&M practices and costs vary widely across the United States, making these variables difficult for investors to predict. To address this barrier to continued PV investment, the PV O&M Working Group has developed a new best-practices guide for PV O&M.

How do I manage a fleet of PV systems?

Operating and maintaining a fleet of PV systems requires active resource management and data acquisition and analysis by the asset and operation manager(s). Outsource the service to a specialized third-party O&M provider.

Why is PV system operations a growing field?

PV system operations is a growing field because increasing PV penetration into the larger utility system, and an emerging market for ancillary services (e.g., dispatch of storage, sourcing reactive power, curtailment of output) require more system interaction on an ongoing basis.