Operation and Maintenance of Self-consumption Photovoltaic Plants on Industrial Rooftops: Keys to Maximizing Benefits

Solar energy has established itself as one of the most accessible and cost-effective renewable energy sources in the last decade, especially in the industrial sector.
As more companies seek to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint, self-consumption photovoltaic plants on industrial rooftops have gained prominence.
But for these installations to fulfill their potential, it is essential to pay special attention to two crucial aspects: operation and maintenance (O&M).

In this article we will explore what the operation and maintenance of a self-consumption plant on an industrial rooftop consists of, the benefits both technically and economically, and how they can impact both the building owner and the tenant.

What is involved in the operation and maintenance (O&M) of a photovoltaic installation?

The operation and maintenance of a self-consumption photovoltaic plant consists of a series of technical practices and procedures aimed at ensuring that the installation operates optimally throughout its lifetime.
Although solar PV systems have a reputation for requiring little maintenance compared to other energy technologies, proper management is essential to maximize their performance, extend their lifetime and avoid costly failures.

Plant operation

The operation of a solar plant involves the active management and monitoring of the system to ensure its proper functioning.
The following are the key components of operating a photovoltaic plant:

1. Real-time monitoring: Continuous monitoring of system performance is essential.
   Monitoring systems, which are often connected to the cloud, allow operators to verify whether the plant is producing the expected amount of power at all times.
   Any deviations or anomalies in power generation can be detected and addressed immediately.
2. Inverter management: Inverters are the components that convert the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is used by industrial installations.
   A critical part of the operation is to ensure that the inverters are working properly and to manage any necessary changes or upgrades to this equipment.
3. Optimization of self-consumption: One of the main objectives of the operation is to optimize the use of the energy generated.
   In self-consumption plants, a large part of the energy generated is used for the building’s internal consumption.
   The integration of energy management systems (EMS) makes it possible to adjust consumption to match solar generation as closely as possible, thus maximizing savings.
4. Grid integration: In some cases, when the plant generates more energy than the tenant consumes, the surplus can be fed into the grid.
   Managing this integration efficiently is key, especially when there are compensation contracts or surplus sales.

Plant maintenance

The maintenance of a self-consumption photovoltaic plant includes all the tasks necessary to maintain and optimize the operation of the system over time.
Although solar panels are robust and have an average lifetime of 25 to 30 years, maintaining the installation correctly reduces the probability of breakdowns and improves its efficiency.

The main maintenance tasks include:

1. Periodic inspections: Regular visual inspections can detect potential problems, such as cracks in panels, loose connections or corrosion in support structures.
   Checking inverters and other electrical components is also essential to detect possible failures.
2. Panel cleaning: Accumulation of dirt, dust, leaves or bird droppings on solar panels can significantly reduce their efficiency.
   Although rainfall helps to clean the panels naturally, in areas with high pollution or low rainfall, it may be necessary to clean them manually several times a year.
3. Checking electrical connections: Electrical connections can loosen over time, which could lead to efficiency losses or even fire hazards.
   It is essential to check and tighten connections periodically.
4. Inverter maintenance: Although solar panels have an extensive lifetime, inverters often require replacement or repair during the lifetime of the plant.
   Periodic checks and firmware updates ensure proper operation.
5. Incident and repair management: If faults or anomalies are detected, the maintenance team must act quickly to avoid prolonged interruptions in power generation.

Benefits of photovoltaic self-consumption for the tenant of an industrial warehouse

Self-consumption plants on industrial roofs offer a number of advantages for both the building owners and the tenants who occupy the buildings.
In particular, it is the tenant who benefits directly from the energy savings generated, since he consumes the energy produced by the solar installation.
Below is a breakdown of the main benefits:

1. Reduction of energy costs

The main benefit of photovoltaic self-consumption for the tenant is the significant reduction in electricity costs.
By generating its own power, the company can reduce or even eliminate dependence on the grid during times of high solar radiation.
This is especially advantageous in industries that operate during the day, when solar panels are generating the most power.

Electricity prices have been trending upward in many markets, so having a free, renewable energy source such as solar allows companies to hedge against volatile energy prices.

2. Improved competitiveness

Reducing operating costs enables companies to improve their competitiveness in the marketplace.
In addition, more and more customers and consumers value sustainability, which can have a positive impact on a company’s image.
Having a solar self-consumption system can be a key differentiator when it comes to attracting new customers or even accessing contracts with companies that prioritize sustainability in their supply chain.

3. Stability and predictability of energy costs

A PV plant has an initial investment cost, but once installed, operation and maintenance costs are relatively low and predictable.
This allows companies to better plan their budgets and avoid surprises on their energy bills.

4. Partial energy independence

By relying less on the external power grid, the tenant also gains some energy independence, which is especially valuable in areas where the grid may be unstable or suffer power outages.
Although not common in industrial settings, the integration of batteries for energy storage can take this independence even further, allowing the energy generated during the day to be used at night or during times of low solar radiation.

5. Contribution to sustainability and regulatory compliance

More and more autonomous communities and governments are requiring companies to reduce their carbon emissions and adopt sustainable practices.
A solar self-consumption plant helps companies comply with these requirements, improving their reputation and avoiding penalties.

Conclusion

The operation and maintenance of an industrial rooftop PV power plant is key to ensuring its efficiency and longevity.
A well-managed system not only ensures optimal energy generation, but also minimizes the risk of failure and increases financial benefits.
For the tenant of an industrial building, the benefits range from reduced operating costs to improved competitiveness and sustainability.

In short, photovoltaic plants on industrial roofs are not only an environmentally friendly solution, but also a profitable investment in the long term.

At ESA we are extremely aware of the importance of the operation and maintenance of your plant, that is why we offer monitoring, incident management, reporting, inspection and maintenance, safety control and landscape management services.

Therefore, if you are looking to extend the life of your installation in the most efficient way we will be happy to explain our services through our web site www.esasl.com or at 96 352 38 20