Keep the lights on with an Asset Management plan
With energy supply falling behind demand in South Africa, and globally, unpredictable rolling blackouts have put various business sectors at risk. It has reached a critical stage where many are forced to look for alternative means to generate power and to bypass the power outages by reducing their dependence on supply from national electricity providers. Countless industries have turned to solar photovoltaic (solar PV) systems – the generation of electricity using energy from the sun – to meet their energy requirements as it provides a safe, reliable and sustainable option to keep their operations running. Working with a dependable solar energy supplier, along with the right Asset Management Plan, is key to getting the most from this investment.
Electrifying change
RenEnergy’s exclusive in-house team of designers and installers provides solar PV and energy storage solutions for the agriculture, commercial and industrial sectors. This includes self-generated electricity, as well as energy efficiency measures to maximise our customers return on investment by embracing clean energy and saving on their bottom-line. RenEnergy’s green journey with our clients doesn’t stop with installation. Our engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) professionals have developed a comprehensive operations, maintenance and monitoring plan to ensure installed systems perform at peak capacity throughout the year.
Saving the Megawatts
In general, solar PV systems have low maintenance and servicing requirements. But that doesn’t mean the installed array should be seen as a “set it and forget it” investment. Over one year, a clean array will outperform a dirty one by an average of 4.7%, and we have seen highly soiled panels generate 50% more energy after cleaning. RenEnergy’s Asset Management Plan extends the lifespan of installed systems and minimises the risk of potentially harmful energy downtime. Choosing an Asset Management plan that suits your budget and requirements is a crucial step to guarantee you have the necessary protection plan in place for your solar investment. Similar to ensuring that your home has the correct insurance when your gutters start leaking, a comprehensive Asset Management plan provides the necessary coverage when needed.
Our maintenance plans cover regular checks on your system to verify that it is operating optimally, without exception. We continuously monitor all systems remotely with faults, alarms and system warnings detected even before our customers become aware of it. Using a priority system, we investigate and diagnose, taking the necessary action steps to determine the root cause of the fault before proceeding accordingly. Our Asset Management package includes:
General housekeeping, which includes the inspection of the site for debris and litter and removal from the site
Software upgrades where required
Inverter maintenance
Maintenance of mounting system, which ensures that system is free from debris and additional inspection for erosion and damage
Inspection and maintenance of PV Modules
Here are a few additional tips to keep your solar PV system in tip-top shape:
Cleaning solar panels
Dust can cause regular problems that go beyond debris build-up, but this is often taken care of during the occasional rainstorm. However, customers who work in particularly dusty and industrial areas may need a deeper clean. Keeping an eye on panels and making sure they do not have any residual dirt, leaves or bird droppings can help your solar PV system operate at optimal levels as this unnecessary debris can often block light and reduce electricity output. RenEnergy’s Asset Management team are experienced and have the necessary equipment required to clean roof and ground modules safely and successfully.
Check panels after severe weather
South Africa has its fair share of sand and rainstorms, with the weather being a serious contributing factor to damaged panels. This has a negative impact on how your solar power system operates, so keeping an eye on performance through online monitoring can help diagnose problems, along with heading outside to check-up on panels. RenEnergy’s end-to-end Asset Management plan will provide the necessary reassurance your business needs, especially when faced with unforeseen weather challenges.
Monitor System
The majority of solar panel systems come equipped with an online monitoring system, including those provided by RenEnergy, to keep track of your solution’s performance via a daily, weekly or monitoring system. This allows you to view the output yoursolar arraygenerates, with regular check-ups from RenEnergy to identify any factors that may become a problem in the long run.
Pick your solar partner wisely
When you choose to switch to solar power, you’re choosing an investment that will last decades. To make sure you get the most from this long-term investment, it is crucial that you select a solar partner that can meet the energy demands of your business. RenEnergy is the service provider that offers an in-house service team and comprehensive service plan tailored to your needs and based on your specific needs. Maintaining your solar solution doesn’t have to be difficult. Keeping your panels free from dirt and debris build-up and having a reliable solar team by your side can make all the difference when optimising your solar energy solution.