Solar Array Systems

Key Takeaways

• Routine inspections can help identify damaged panels, wiring issues, mounting problems and other hazards before they lead to equipment failure.
• Solar panels are only one part of the system. Inverters, disconnects, breakers, wiring, grounding and mounting systems also require attention.
• Schools should maintain records of inspections and repairs, and promptly correct deficiencies to help reduce the likelihood of electrical fires, property damage and unexpected outages.

Solar panels can offer schools a way to manage energy costs, reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and even support educational opportunities for students. But just like any other electrical or mechanical system, they require regular attention to operate safely and reliably.

For school leaders, preventive maintenance should be part of the plan from the beginning — not something considered only after a panel, inverter or electrical component fails.

A well-maintained solar array can help reduce the likelihood of unexpected outages, electrical fires, property damage and costly repairs. It can also help schools identify developing problems before they become more serious.

Understanding the risks

Solar arrays generate electricity, which means they present electrical hazards during normal operation, maintenance and emergency situations. Damaged wiring, loose connections or faulty components can create conditions that lead to arcing, overheating and fire.

The physical installation also deserves attention. Panels and mounting systems can be affected by high winds, hail, heavy snow and other severe weather. A damaged or improperly maintained mounting system could allow panels to become detached, potentially causing property damage or creating a hazard for people nearby.

For ground-mounted systems, vegetation, debris and unauthorized access can create additional concerns. Maintenance activities for systems installed near or on buildings should also account for the condition of surrounding structures and potential pathways for water intrusion.

These risks make routine inspections and maintenance an important part of a school’s overall property and electrical safety program.

Preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance is a scheduled, reliability-centered approach to servicing electrical equipment. Rather than waiting for equipment to fail, school organizations establish inspection and servicing intervals based on manufacturer recommendations, applicable regulations and the importance of the equipment to school operations.

This approach can be especially valuable for solar arrays, because a failure during the school year could affect building operations and potentially create an electrical or fire hazard.

Schools should start by developing a written maintenance plan for the entire solar installation. The plan should identify the equipment that needs to be inspected, who is responsible for the work, how often inspections occur and how deficiencies will be documented and corrected.

Conduct regular visual inspections

A visual inspection can identify many problems before they develop into equipment failures.

Qualified personnel should look for damaged panels, cracked components, loose or deteriorated wiring, corrosion, physical damage and signs of overheating. Schools should inspect mounting systems for damage or deterioration, and check that components remain securely fastened.

The area surrounding the array should also be inspected. Workers should remove accumulated debris and address vegetation that could interfere with the system. For ground-mounted arrays, they should make sure fencing and access controls remain in good condition.

After severe weather, facilities departments may consider conducting an additional inspection. High winds, hail and heavy snow can damage panels, wiring or mounting equipment even when the damage isn’t immediately obvious.

Don’t overlook electrical equipment

Solar panels are only one part of the system. Inverters, disconnects, circuit breakers, wiring, grounding and other electrical components also require inspection and maintenance.

Electrical equipment should be kept clean and free of debris and combustible materials.

Adequate clearances should be maintained around equipment, and areas housing critical electrical components should be checked for water intrusion or other environmental conditions that could contribute to equipment deterioration.

Infrared thermography can also be useful for identifying excess heat associated with loose connections, damaged components, defective switches or breakers, and overloaded circuits.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual infrared inspections of electrical equipment under applicable conditions.

Monitor performance

Preventive maintenance isn’t limited to physically inspecting equipment. When employees monitor system performance, they can help identify changes that may indicate an emerging problem.

A monitoring system can provide information about energy production and system operation, allowing school personnel or contractors to investigate unusual changes in performance.

Schools should keep records of inspections, maintenance activities, repairs, infrared inspections and other service work. Good documentation provides a history of the system and can help facilities personnel identify recurring problems or determine when components may need replacement.

Plan for seasonal and extended shutdowns

Schools should also consider how solar arrays and related equipment will be managed when buildings experience extended periods of reduced activity or closure.

Equipment that sits idle can develop problems, and routine inspections may be missed when normal operations are interrupted. Before returning equipment or related electrical systems to service after an extended shutdown, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for restart procedures.

Personnel familiar with the equipment should conduct a visual inspection before restarting it. Any unsafe conditions should be corrected before the equipment is placed back into service. If repairs cannot be completed immediately, appropriate procedures should be used to keep the equipment out of service until it can be safely returned to operation.

Contractors’ role

School leaders don’t have to manage every aspect of solar array maintenance themselves. However, they should understand what contractors are responsible for and what information they need to provide.

When working with solar contractors or maintenance providers, schools should request documentation addressing recommended inspection intervals, maintenance requirements, emergency procedures, equipment warranties and expected component life. They need to make sure responsibilities are clearly defined.

The goal is simple: Don’t wait for a solar array to fail before determining how it should be maintained.

For more info on risk inspections, check out these resources.

Q&A

Q: How often should solar panels be inspected?
A: Establish inspection intervals based on manufacturer recommendations and applicable requirements. Additional inspections may be appropriate after severe weather.

Q: Should school employees repair solar equipment?
A: Electrical repairs and specialized maintenance should be performed by qualified personnel.

Q: What should inspections look for?
A: Check panels, wiring, connections, mounting systems, electrical equipment, debris, vegetation and signs of damage or overheating.

Q: Why keep maintenance records?
A: Documentation helps track equipment condition, identify recurring problems and demonstrate that inspections and repairs are being completed.