Supervision and monitoring, or O&M Services in practice. What is it, what is it based on, and is it worth it? Owners of photovoltaic farms very often wonder if it is needed at all? What is the purpose of using O&M service?
When we want to place funds, our wish is for the investment to be profitable. First of all, we are interested in the rate of return and the time in which this return will occur. This is a matter of course. When we buy a car we take care of it. We go to the mechanic, for inspections, to the car wash, or look closely at every disturbing sound our vehicle makes.
When investing in building a photovoltaic farm or buying a ready-made solar power plant, we should also take care of every detail.
A photovoltaic power plant is designed to generate as much profit as possible for the owner. It produces electricity that the owner can either sell or use for his own consumption.
Surveillance and monitoring – what is it all about?
A photovoltaic solar power plant requires regular maintenance and service. During the inspections, the condition in which the farm is located is checked, i.e. the structure, photovoltaic panels, fencing, wiring condition and CCTV camera system. The services, on the other hand, are more advanced work on the solar power plant site. Measurements are taken of the DC and AC sides, the condition of the trafostations and also performed flyovers with a drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera. Each inspection or service ends with a report handed over to the owner. A minimum of 6 inspections and 1 service per year is recommended. On the other hand, on a daily basis, we monitor the operation of the photovoltaic farm using SCADA, an advanced tool for constant observation of the power plant. Any malfunction or potential danger is immediately caught and relayed to service technicians so that they can intervene in time. With continuous monitoring of power plant operations, monthly reports can also be prepared. Therefore, owners of photovoltaic farms are up to date on the status of their investment.
In addition, with constant supervision and an O&M Plan drawn up in advance, we can effectively plan cleaning work on the farm. Cleaning photovoltaic modules or mowing grass. And it is worth mentioning at this point that we should both wash the panels in close coordination with the prior removal of greenery on the farm.
O&M services – why is it so important?
Many of these activities need to be kept in mind, and in the event of a malfunction, it is important to react quickly. Therefore, O&M services are a solution to the obvious needs of any photovoltaic farm.
In addition to the array of components already mentioned, we will add the management of guarantees or insurance. It is worth knowing and having someone who, for the owner, who, after all, on other matters also on the “head”, will be able to represent the investor in any repairs or warranty replacements. So, too, by the way, when handling the processes involved in applying to insurers for compensation.
Are you planning to build your photovoltaic farm or looking for an O&M service company?
Do you want to purchase a photovoltaic or wind farm project and need an efficient and professional audit / due diligence?
are you looking for a photovoltaic panel recycler or cleaning company for photovoltaic plants and farms?
When you are ready to act,
then so are we!
