As the weather turns colder, what we should firstly consider is not the problem of power generation, but the maintenance of photovoltaic equipment. As winter comes nearer, we must firstly take the following points into account:
PV array, please inspect and fasten the coupling bot and conduct wire, test the output, and adjust the inclined angle.
Tracker, lubricate the bearing, inspect the bolt and shock absorption.
Standby fuel system, confirm the wire connection, and inspect the equipment to be in good condition, can be used at any time.
Charging controller, check the voltage setting of the rectifier and check the voltmeter to have normal indication. If the battery temperature is below 55°F (about 12.778°C), charging to a higher voltage (at least 14.8 volts for a 12 volt system) should be allowed. If your charge controller has the temperature compensation function, it will automatically adjust. If there is an external temperature sensor, please make sure that it has been attached to the battery. If there is no automatic adjustment function, it is required to manually increase the voltage and adjust back in the spring (adjust to 14.3 volts). If the charge controller is not adjustable, try to keep the battery in a warmer environment.
Battery (lead acid), check the voltage of each battery, eliminate the disabled and determine if a balanced charge is required. Please conduct balanced charge maintenance if needed (usually 8 hours of moderate overcharge after the battery is fully charged). Wash the liquid or dust on the battery (neutralize the acidic precipitate with dry soda powder). Clean or replace corroded terminals, apply paraffinum liquidum to the terminals to prevent further corrosion. Check the battery fluid and add distilled or deionized water if necessary. Check ventilation (whether there are insects or the like in the air duct). Note: Check the wire size, connection, fusesand other safety measures. Ground lightning protection: install or check the grounding post or ground wire.
Load or electric appliance, check invisible loads or inefficient applications. For example, a wall-mounted transformer and a TV with remote control consume power whenever the power is turned on. Check whether your electric heater is automatically tempered, which makes the inverter work 24 hours a day. Check the blackened incandescent lamp and consider replacing it with a halogen or fluorescent lamp. Replace the black fluorescent tube. Clean the dust on the light and its mounting bracket.
Solar inverter, check regulator, installation setting and wiring. Note: The charging voltage of the inverter with charging function should be set to 14.5 (29) volts. Please refer to the instruction manual.
The battery temperature lead-acid battery loses 25% at 30 °F. When being fully changed, it freezes at 20 °F, which will cause damage. Overheating in summer can also affect its life. Therefore, the battery should be avoided being used in an extreme outdoor temperature environment.
