Solar Support launches analytics program to minimize legacy inverter downtime

Engineering services company Solar Support has rolled out a diagnostic equipment maintenance program that uses analytics to assess the health of central inverters in utility-scale PV systems. Backed by 22 years of inverter and power electronics troubleshooting, the program supports both predictive and corrective O&M.

Solar Support engineers analyze internal inverter data to evaluate components, pinpoint impending issues and failure trends, and help plant managers identify and source the right parts for rapid repairs.

Solar Support

“With thousands of aging inverters in the field — many under high utility PPAs and elapsing warranties — accurate diagnostic maintenance is more important than ever,” said Cliff Myers, Solar Support chief engineer and co-founder. “Unlike service alternatives that can take days, we help asset owners understand and correct the cause of their inverter issues in under 24 hours.”

The maintenance program comprises two intelligent services: data analysis, which diagnoses failures once they occur and predictive data analysis, which evaluates failure trends before they become a problem. Both services include prescriptive recommendations and can be combined with technical troubleshooting support and training to help teams resolve tough equipment issues. Solar Support also provides detailed replacement part recommendations to ensure field efficiencies.

Solar Support data analysis capabilities currently include inverters from major manufacturers.

“We’ve seen incredible success with our data analyses,” Myers said. “With 7,800 utility inverters in our network, our analyses have resolved 100% of issues—98% after one review. This keeps truck rolls at a minimum.”

From the start, Solar Support founders recognized the industry’s need for an open-source database of inverter fault code resolutions to help technicians anywhere troubleshoot equipment. Today the company’s online knowledge portal offers complimentary and open access to nearly 1,000 inverter fault resolutions. Solar Support welcomes collaboration with all manufacturers to help equipment users access diagnostics easily.

News item from Solar Support

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/12/solar-support-launches-analytics-program-to-minimize-legacy-inverter-downtime/