Solar PV Diagnosis & Repair

Solar array and system faults — yield, strings, shading, soiling and the difference between a real fault and an expectation set against nameplate. Written to establish what output SHOULD be for the conditions first, because without that reference "underperforming" is an opinion rather than a measurement.

Scope

• ▪Underperformance and yield loss
• ▪Soiling, shading and vegetation
• ▪String faults, fuses and connectors
• ▪Module degradation and bypass diodes
• ▪Inverter clipping and export limitation
• ▪DC bus and isolation faults

Diagnosis guides

• Solar System Producing Less Than Expected — Diagnosis

  Grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid PV systems, roof and ground mounted, single- and three-phase

  9 diagnostic steps · intermediate · qualified electrician

• Solar Charge Controller Not Charging the Battery

  PWM and MPPT charge controllers in off-grid and hybrid systems, lead-acid and lithium banks

  8 diagnostic steps · intermediate · qualified electrician