March 2009
- Introduction
- A PV system in detail
- Incentives
- Evaluating your home for PV
- Selecting qualified installers
- Maintenance considerations
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the full article as a
Maintenance Considerations
Once your PV array is installed, little system maintenance is required. The modules have no moving parts and usually carry a warranty of at least 20 years. Regular rainfall is often sufficient to eliminate dirt accumulation, but where rain is infrequent, occasionally rinsing the modules off with water will restore full-power operation. In some locations it’s helpful (if it’s possible) to remove snow from panels that have a particularly shallow slope.
Inverters require maintenance far more frequently than the modules do, but in most cases, the system owner’s role is limited to monitoring the status indicators and notifying the installer that the inverter needs service.
Thanks to Southern Energy Management for resource help and graphics. Southern Energy management is a leading provider of sustainable energy services in North Carolina. (866) 575-9191. www.southern-energy.com
E SOURCE Companies LLC
Cooperative Research Network of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
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