Asset Management is crucial to ensure that solar panels and inverters continue to operate optimally. Without proper maintenance and monitoring, contamination, defects and wear can lead to energy loss, extra costs and even safety risks. In addition, proper maintenance is also important for maintaining the warranty on your renewable energy system. Below, we discuss some of the reasons why continuous monitoring of your renewable energy installation is important.

1. Preventing energy loss through contamination
Solar panels can become contaminated by dust, pollen and bird droppings, among other things. This pollution reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the panels, which negatively affects energy yield. In the Netherlands, pollution has been shown to actually affect the performance of solar panels. By cleaning the panels regularly, loss of efficiency can be reduced and the system will continue to function as well as possible. Covolt's monitoring system can see very accurately when a panel is dirty and therefore when it is important to clean the panels.

2. Protecting inverters from overheating
Inverters can become too hot due to inadequate ventilation. This can be due to dust, sand or faulty fans. When an inverter gets too hot, it automatically shuts down in power ("derate mode"), which reduces performance and shortens life. Regular inspection and cleaning keep inverters working properly and lasting longer.