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Module 4: Post Solar Build
Learn how to check, fix, and monitor a solar system after it is built.
This module covers quality checks, troubleshooting, warranties, and remote monitoring.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
After construction, a QAQC check confirms the system is built right.
What does the “A” in QAQC stand for?
The Systems Inspector
A qualified PV inspector checks the whole installation for defects.
Visual Checks by the CEC
Community Energy Champions can do visual quality checks after install.
The Community Energy Champion is qualified to perform a portion of the QAQC
Improper Installation: Examples
Inspections after install help prevent hazardous problems.
Defective Connections
Connectors must be closed and sealed properly.
Poorly Installed Wiring
Wires must stay inside the conduit, not loose on the roof.
Fire Hazard
Faulty wiring, overheating, or electrical flaws can cause fires.
Loose Clamping
Module clamps must be torqued correctly to hold modules down.
Engineering QAQC Tests
Professional engineers can run deeper QAQC tests on the system.
Test string voltage and amperage
Engineers use a multimeter to test each string of modules.
This part of the QAQC testing
Check grounding
Grounding is traced and verified to keep people and equipment safe.
Check anti-islanding
Engineers turn off the grid to confirm the inverter shuts down.
Torque test the clamps
A torque wrench checks that clamps are tightened to spec.
Solar thermal test
An infrared camera looks for hot spots in the modules.
The punch list
A punch list reports every deficiency that must be fixed.
QAQC Recommendations are issued from Inspectors
Troubleshooting systems
Troubleshooting is a step-by-step way to find a fault.
Check one component at a time and rule it out before moving on: start with the solar modules, then the inverter, then the combiner boxes or disconnects - until the fault is found.
Troubleshooting solar modules
Test the modules with a multimeter and look for damage.
A good way to troubleshoot a solar panel is to
Troubleshooting inverters
Read the error code, then work through the manufacturer's manual.
Troubleshooting an inverter involves
Troubleshooting combiner boxes
Check connections, fuses, and readings in the combiner box.
If the system is not working the combiner box should be checked for
Manufacturer's Warranty
A manufacturer's warranty guarantees repair or replacement of faulty equipment within a set period.
A warranty can be delivered by
Workmanship Warranty
Your installer's workmanship warranty covers installation errors.
Production Guarantee
Solar modules come with a production guarantee for their power output.
Sunlight slowly wears down cells, called light induced degradation. Output drops about 0.5% per year, so after 25 years a module still makes around 80% of its Year 1 power.
Typical Warranty Periods
Each part has its own warranty length, based on its expected life.
Warranties are the same length of time as the expected lifespan of equipment
What Is Solar Monitoring?
After a system is running, inverters send production data online so you can track it.
Solar Monitoring is.
Monitor From Anywhere
Monitoring lets you watch system performance remotely, in real time.
Why is it Important to Monitor Solar Output?
Why Track Solar Output
Tracking output keeps the system efficient and spots problems fast.
Types of Monitoring
Solar systems can be monitored in different ways. Let's look at each type.
String Inverters: Setup
A string inverter is commissioned, then connected to the internet.
String Inverters: Monitoring
Once registered, the inverter sends production data to your online platform.
String Inverter monitoring shows every individual panel performance
Micro inverters
Each module has its own micro inverter, mapped online so every panel is tracked.
Micro Inverter System Monitoring
Mapping each inverter
Scan each inverter's bar code in install order so its exact location is pinpointed.
Each micro inverter needs to be mapped out where it is situated in the array
Seeing each module
The platform shows every module's real-time output, so weak panels stand out.
Power optimizers
Power optimizers boost each module's output without inverting the power.
Power Optimizers
Monitoring optimizers
Optimizer output is tracked in real time at the module, string, and system level.
Module recap
QAQC checks find and fix defects before commissioning; after that, online monitoring keeps the system running well for its whole life.
Post-test
Answer these to see what landed. We’ll point you back to anything worth a second look.