alfasolar GmbH
Ahrensburger Str. 4 6, 30659 Hannover
Geschäftsführer:
Dipl.-Ing. M. Denz (CEO) / Dipl.-Kfm. K.-W. Hoffmann (CFO)
Amtsgericht Hannover HRB 544 55
Gerichtsstand und Sitz: Hannover
Seite 25 von 29
Tel:
Fax:
Mail:
Web:
+49 (0) 511-261 447-0
+49 (0) 511-261 447-50
sales@alfasolar.de
www.alfasolar.de
Revision-Index:
Issued:
Doc.-Nr.
08
2012-12-13
ALE-IEC-01
4
Cleaning and maintanaince
4.1
Cleaning of solar modules
Installing the modules with a sufficient gradient (min. 15°) will enable the self-cleaning pro-
cess supported by rain. Please notice that the self-cleaning effect has natural limitations.
Dirt on the front side of the modules reduces the incidence of light on the solar cell and it re-
duces the solar power of the modules. Therefor we recommend the cleaning of the modules if
they are exposed to dirty conditions such as bird droppings, leafs or if the surrounding is too
dirty (e.g. lichens on a roof).
If it is necessary to clean the module please consider the following advices:
1. Use only soft brushes, otherwise the glass structure will be destroyed
2. Avoid normal water, better use water without minerals, at least without calcium car-
bonate.
3. Don`t use rain water because it can contain dirty particles.
4.
Persistant stains can be removed with a large-pore non-abrasive sponge from the au-
tomotive sector, additionally you can use a commercial window cleaner. Use neither
abrasive or chemically aggressive cleaning detergents nor hard objects.
5.
Big temperature differences such as cold water on heated modules may damage mate-
rials or cause a loss of power.
6.
Walking on the solar modules or other strong mechanical impact shall be avoided.
7.
Cleaning with high-pressure-cleaners
(
e.g. Kärcher) is not allowed.
8. If you consider the above named advices the performance of your alfasolar modules
will not be affected by dirt pollution.
4.2
Maintenance of the photovoltaic system
We recommend an inspection of technical functions and performance by a qualified person
every two years. Via an open circuit withstand test you can detect defect bypass diodes (e.g.
caused by overvoltage) and subsequently prevent overheating of the junction box and loss of
energy yield.
The electric wires should be checked occasionally by a qualified person for damages, corrosion
and tightness of the connectors.
Some aspects about the conditions of your PV-plant can be collected by yourself:
Ideally a data logger with internet connection should be installed to display the relevant data
and provide default reports. A data logger can be purchased at alfasolar GmbH and it can be
installed later.
To determine if your PV-plant is working well you should check the energy yield regularly and
compare it with an appropriate data base given in the internet. Be aware that only compara-
ble locations and situations enable an objective evaluation.
If your PV-plant has been working for several years the previous year`s data can be used as a
comparison. If the current yield is significantly lower you should ask a qualified person to
check your PV-plant (please ask your installer).
We recommend the operator to close a maintenance contract. Professional maintenance ab-
solves the operator of the PV-plant of work which is potentially dangerous or difficult to be
done due to the absence of technical equipment.
