Very large scale solar electric system maintenance inspection

[im4pvru]

We are beginning to see large scale solar systems built - with thousands of individual photovoltaic modules - so many that it is probably not plausible to check each one. There may be "dead" modules; there may be individual modules that are underperforming (dirt, shadows or something more insidious); there may be an opportunity to wash the solar modules and get an instant ROI on the cost of the washing. There may be a need to check stress and strain the structure.

Could an AQL-based inspection be set up?

Any recommended people in the AQL field who chould provide some short term help in figuring out a robust program?

Many thanks,

[Coury Ferguson]

Can anyone help out here?

[Jim Wynne]

Originally Posted by im4pvru

We are beginning to see large scale solar systems built - with thousands of individual photovoltaic modules - so many that it is probably not plausible to check each one. There may be "dead" modules; there may be individual modules that are underperforming (dirt, shadows or something more insidious); there may be an opportunity to wash the solar modules and get an instant ROI on the cost of the washing. There may be a need to check stress and strain the structure.

Could an AQL-based inspection be set up?

Any recommended people in the AQL field who chould provide some short term help in figuring out a robust program?

Many thanks,

Some type of statistically-based sampling can be worked out, but practicality is another matter. For example, the solar arrays being on the tops of mountains in another state might mitigate against a rigorous inspection plan.

[im4pvru]

Thanks - the issue may be different from what you're thinking. Large solar systems in sunny areas are likely to be on large expanses of flat land and may be valued in the tens and hundreds of millions. There may even be on-site 24-hour security.

That said, it may not be practical to have 100% inspection, hence the inquiry.