PV servicing

markpb

I got a residential PV system installed in early 2020 and got this email from the installer just now:

We would recommend getting your system serviced. This will keep the system up to date and running as efficiently as it can for as long as it can.

Your system is eligible for new upgrades which we can do as part of the Service. The cost of the upgrade and Service is €295 and the lead time for this is estimated 8-12 weeks from payment. It is company protocol to get payment in advance to be put on our booking list.

Please see below what is done during the upgrade and service.

Removal on 30mA Breaker (Trip Switch)

Install new 100mA Breaker (Trip switch)

Testing and commissioning of the new 100mA Breaker 

A full system Health check.

Visual Inspection of inverter.

Ensure inverter heat sync is not obstructed and there is no accumulation of dust or debris.

Inverter updated to the latest version of firmware, where the system is monitored.

Grid setting Updated to current ESB grid settings. This allows for the inverter to operate with greater tolerances.

Inspect the DC connection at the inverter.

Verification of generation figures, instant & cumulative.

Verification of Voc.

AC polarity test, voltage and loss of mains test.

Battery Health check (if applicable) & verification of battery operation.

Configuration of Inverter to WIFI (if applicable).

Verification of WIFI signal to inverter.

A performance cert will be issued following completion of the service.

Note: We do not carry out cleaning of panels nor any roof works during a service on site. It is advised by the manufacturer to never have panels cleaned with detergent. Manufacturer specific cleaning advice should be sought for panel specific cleaning.
It is important to note that ESBN have widened the criteria under which Solar PV can operate. In practice, this means that if your inverter settings are updated to the current ESBN settings, the inverter will, on average, produce more power on an annual basis.

Is this service worthwhile? What are the ESBN parameters that have changed?

10-10-20

I suspect it's just the ESB's specific power profile has been added to the inverter firmware instead of a situation where the parameters were just manually configured to match the min/max voltages at the time.

NC6 form:

https://www.esbnetworks.ie/docs/default-source/publications/conditions-governing-the-connection-and-operation-of-micro-generation-policy.pdf

The only part of that 'service' that you cannot do (if you're not a REC) is the replacement of the RCD, which if it hasn't been an issue previously could be left as is at 30mA. Might be worthwhile getting it all done anyway as there was another change in the spec for the RCD regarding the DC leakage (change to type B, I think).

https://safeelectric.ie/contractors/important-update-regarding-rcd-protection-for-pv-microgeneration-systems/

ted1

the one things that should be included in the service is not included. And That’s a panel clean…..

No need for anything else, a 12 week lead tilme for payment is absolutely taking the pi55

pale rider

I have my system since 2009, it’s on two strings, here is a comprehensive list of the maintenance carried out.

Summer 2025- cleaned panels with soft wash brush, mild detergent and a hose.

End of maintenance.

Everything is working fine, I felt from the App I was down on power off the roof which improved after cleaning.

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124065592#Comment_124065592

I'm impressed you're already seeing an improvement from the cleaning considering you aren't doing it until next summer 😁

I agree there's no servicing required, there's no moving parts or consumables unlike a car or a heating system

The circuit breakers can be tested but they'd be expected to keep working for their lifetime without maintenance. Also if they're RCDs they have this very handy test button to check if they work, no specialist knowledge needed

graememk

The charge isn't too bad, but depending on you a lot of it can be done yourself.

The rcbo is a big change, parasitic capacitance can cause tripping on a 30ma rcbo, and with the change in regs to 100 usually solves it.

But if your not having any tripping issues..

As for inverter updates. I'm firm in the camp of only update if you have problems. Lol

If one is non technical in any way it could be worthwhile.. maybe.....