Since October 2009 is for commercial users that regular inspection and maintenance of the PV system required the number of photovoltaic systems for the generation of electrical energy from sunlight grows in Germany constantly. Also, more and more systems with capacities are currently built in the area of over 50 megawatts. Photovoltaic systems are constantly exposed to the effects of Sun, wind and adverse weather conditions. These influences their traces and may yield reduction for damage and result in malfunction of the system. In addition come the rising investment maturities of up to 30 years.
Direct threats to people and buildings can assume technical defects and malfunctions at the plant. So far there are only a few cases, where PV systems are caught fire. (Source: Robert Bakish). However, a preventive examination and repair is becoming increasingly important. Since October 2009 the regular inspection and maintenance of the PV plant is for commercial users VDE 0105-100 according to DIN “Operation of electrical equipment General requirements” and the BGV A3. The proper inspection and maintenance of the electrical parts of the plant, a qualified electrician must perform. But the operator can contribute additional cyclical inspections for the early detection of sources of error. This includes the daily control of the status display on the inverter. Modern systems have electronic evaluation systems with data acquisition, evaluation tool, and error message on the operator.
At least monthly and in extreme weather conditions (hail, storm, extreme snowfall, etc.) the operator or an expert appointed by him must perform a Visual inspection (defective cables, loose modules, damage to modules). Discovered damages are to eliminate in every case by a trained technician. In regular intervals, but at least all 4 years a repeat test is by a qualified electrician according to DIN 31051 perform. The visualization of the carried out electrical checks can meaningful be done by appropriate inspection stickers. In addition, they facilitate the schedule control. The documentation of successful testing for photovoltaic systems, inspection stickers according to BGV A3 and according to VDE, the online-shop of the Brewes GmBH see inspection stickers.