PRACTICAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL FOR SOLAR PV SYSTEMS

This capacity-building manual was developed as part of the SESA project – Smart Energy Solution for Africa, funded by Research & Innovation funds of the European Union. It is designed for technicians, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) proprietors, and ordinary consumers. The following are the fundamental aims of the manual:

• To provide owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with valuable insights regarding the operational efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This entails possessing the requisite knowledge and abilities to optimize energy efficiency, regulate costs, and ensure the longevity of the system.
• To offer extensive guidance on performing routine maintenance tasks, resolving frequent problems, and determining when expert assistance is required.
• To provide general users, including householders and small business proprietors, with a deeper comprehension of their solar PV systems, thereby empowering them. This includes gaining an understanding of the system’s fundamental operation, monitoring its performance, and recognizing its energy and environmental benefits.
• To highlight the safety protocols necessary to ensure the well-being of individuals who interact with the systems and to prevent incidents.

Additionally, the manual offers several advantages:

• It allows to save costs and eliminate superfluous expenditures (e.g. repairs, energy wastage) by educating users on optimal strategies for operating and maintaining Solar PV systems on their own. It supports the overarching objectives of promoting sustainable energy practices. This, in turn, aids in the mitigation of carbon footprints and the advancement of green energy solutions.
• It assists users in adhering to both domestic and international benchmarks.

It serves as an indispensable resource for those involved in the operation of solar PV systems, offering practical, efficient, and security-focused guidance.