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| | <div> | | <div> |
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| | = Implement Maintenance Routines<br/> = | | = Implement Maintenance Routines<br/> = |
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| | *Maintenance plan; | | *Maintenance plan; |
| − | *maintenance sheets; | + | *Maintenance sheets;<br/> |
| − | *checklist for visits to farm; | + | *Checklist for visits to farm;<br/> |
| − | *weekly inspection sheet; | + | *Weekly inspection sheet;<br/> |
| − | *bi-monthly inspection sheet; | + | *Bi-monthly inspection sheet;<br/> |
| | *'''MAINTAIN 01-Maintenance Checklist'''. | | *'''MAINTAIN 01-Maintenance Checklist'''. |
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| | *Producers /producer groups; | | *Producers /producer groups; |
| − | *agricultural advisors; | + | *Agricultural advisors;<br/> |
| − | *technology and service providers (electricians, companies providing solar powered systems). | + | *Technology and service providers (electricians, companies providing solar powered systems).<br/> |
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| | == Important Issues& Decisions == | | == Important Issues& Decisions == |
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| | </div> | | </div> |
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| − | [[Category:Tools]]
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| − | [[Category:Powering_Agriculture]]
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| | [[Category:SPIS_Module]] | | [[Category:SPIS_Module]] |
| | + | [[Category:Powering_Agriculture]] |
| | + | [[Category:Tools]] |
Revision as of 22:06, 12 May 2017
Implement Maintenance Routines
Once the maintenance plan is in place and the responsible persons identified, the maintenance should become a routine.
Critical regular maintenance activities are:
1. Check daily if the system is working. If the pump is not working:
- check the water source and pipes (any dirt, blockage, enoughwater?);
- check theelectronics (any burned parts, loose wires, emergency lights?).
2. Inspect the system once a week with respect to:
- energy generated by PVsystem;
- pump performance (pumpingrate);
- condition of water source (purity of water);
- condition of controller and electronics (visible signs ofmalfunctioning);
- blockage of drip emitters;
- condition of water storage facility and pipes (leaks, waterlevel);
- condition of solar panels and their mounting system (stability, cleanness).
3. Clean solar panels every two to four weeks:
- clean water and a little scrubbing with a cloth covered sponge or soft brush should remove the most persistent grime;
- clean in the early morning or late evening, when panels are cool;
- do not step or walk on the panels as they could be damaged.
Note: Hot panels should not be sprayed with cold water – they might crack!
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Visual check of the solar panels
4. Throughout the year (every two to three months)the PV system should be checked thoroughly so that:
- no plants grow close to the panel, the mounting structure, water source, controller, junction box, etc.;
- there is no shade on the panels (plants, poles, fences etc.), so as to permit maximum radiation;
- the fencing of the solar array is not damaged;
- the mounting structures are stable.
In addition, the reservoir should be cleaned and the irrigation system should be flushed regularly.
Note: Inspect your system always after strong winds, hail storms, lightening or earth quakes have occurred in your region.
After the first experience with a particular maintenance plan, the timing and frequency of maintenance can be adapted to suit the local conditions and capacities of the producer.
Note: Call your technology provider (panels, pumping, and controller) or electrician (electronics) who installed the system for help – this should be part of the service contract.
Outcome / Product
- Maintenance plan;
- Maintenance sheets;
- Checklist for visits to farm;
- Weekly inspection sheet;
- Bi-monthly inspection sheet;
- MAINTAIN 01-Maintenance Checklist.
People / Stakeholders
- Producers /producer groups;
- Agricultural advisors;
- Technology and service providers (electricians, companies providing solar powered systems).
Important Issues& Decisions
- Maintaining an SPIS does not require advanced technical skills and the overall effort is relatively low, when compared to other technologies.
- It is important to establish inspection and maintenance routines and to schedule them as part of the work plan of the farm.
