Tiếng ViệtIn industrial rooftop solar projects, periodic operations and maintenance (O&M) play a critical role in sustaining performance, extending lifespan, and ensuring operator safety. However, due to the specific nature of these installations—being on high roofs, involving high voltages, and exposure to harsh weather—the maintenance of solar power systems must adhere to strict technical standards and rigorous safety procedures.
Mandatory Safety Requirements for Solar System Maintenance
According to the guidelines of QCVN 01:2020/BCT and TCVN 7447-7-712:2016, all maintenance, cleaning, or inspection activities for solar power equipment must ensure the following:
- Disconnecting and isolating the power source before performing any operations on panels or inverters.
- Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety harnesses, insulated footwear, rubber gloves, safety helmets, and anti-glare glasses.
- Maintenance must not be conducted during rain, high humidity, or when roof surfaces are slippery, to avoid the risk of electric shock or falls from height.
- Checking for residual voltage on the surface of the modules before cleaning or disassembly.
Personnel must be trained in solar electrical safety according to professional standards, hold certifications for working at heights, and comply with the company’s internal regulations.
Technical Process for Solar System Maintenance
As per standard O&M practices, solar power systems should be inspected 2-3 times per year, covering the following key technical items:
- Module Inspection: Detecting cracks, soiling, connection losses, and checking surface temperature with an infrared (IR) camera.
- Conductor and Connector (MC4) Check: Ensuring tight, non-oxidized connections, and measuring insulation resistance with a megger.
- Inverter Check: Monitoring current, voltage, and power parameters; updating firmware; cleaning air filters; and inspecting DC/AC cables.
- Racking Frame and Bolt Check: Periodic tightening, checking for rust, and addressing any roof water penetration points.
All inspection data must be logged and periodically reported to the project owner or the O&M unit. This helps track the system’s performance degradation rate and ensures long-term safety.
Potential Risks of Improper Maintenance Procedures
Ignoring the maintenance process or performing it incorrectly can lead to:
- A 5-10% annual reduction in system performance due to soiling, hotspots, or connection faults.
- Increased risk of fire or explosion at DC connectors if contacts are loose or wires are damaged.
- Current leakage to the panel frames or metal roof, posing a danger to workers and affecting the factory structure.
- Voiding of equipment warranties if maintenance does not comply with manufacturer standards.
Therefore, maintenance must be treated as a critical technical operation, not merely periodic cleaning.
Safety and Optimization Solutions for Businesses
Businesses can utilize a Monitoring System to detect anomalies early and proactively schedule maintenance. Additionally, it is recommended to:
- Sign a professional O&M contract with an experienced provider whose staff is safety-trained and licensed by EVN or the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
- Maintain a digital maintenance log, storing all images, data, and inspection reports to serve energy audits or ESG certification.
- Use only materials and equipment that meet IEC standards to ensure compatibility with the operating system.
With a team of engineers certified for working at heights and possessing deep expertise in industrial solar power, INS Energy provides a turnkey O&M service package: inspection, monitoring, cleaning, periodic maintenance, inverter testing, and technical acceptance support.
INS Energy is committed to ensuring your business’s system operates stably, safely, and at optimal performance, in full compliance with the latest 2025 technical standards.