Maintenance Management Regime for Off-Grid Solar PV Renewable Energy System in Nigeria

Abstract

The perennial inadequate power supply problem in Nigeria, the worldwide call for green energy and the unavailability of grid electrical supply or difficulty in accessing it have created a need for the adoption of renewable energy such as solar PV systems. PV systems have a lifespan ranging from 10 to 25 years if well maintained but it has been observed that PV systems do not last up to their useful lifespan in Nigeria. A preliminary survey carried out showed that 71.2% of sample did not carry out any maintenance on their PV installations, 85.7% agreed that a lack of maintenance was responsible for their nonfunctional PV systems and 95% of the respondents agreed that there was a lack of maintenance on PV installations in Nigeria. A maintenance regime was developed for PV systems whereby a maintenance personnel is appointed to carry out routine or breakdown maintenance on solar panels, charge controller, battery, inverter, and cabling. The regime starts with turning off power coming from the solar panels. The maintenance of the solar panels follows; next is maintenance on all cable wiring and terminations. After all cable terminations have been checked, the battery maintenance follows. The charge controller is then checked for maintenance and subsequently, power from solar panels can be switched on to restore charging. Two protective installations were recommended in the maintenance regime namely the installation of earthing and DC circuit breakers to protect the solar system installation.