Janet Ferarri, Director of Portfolio Management for

Radian Generation

, highlights the importance of seasonal maintenance to solar asset performance.

As solar installations mature and energy production targets become more critical, the

importance of strategic spring maintenance has never been more apparent. Operators

who neglect preventive care face significant financial implications, from reduced output

during high-value production periods to unexpected equipment failures that compound

operational losses. Five grams of dust per square meter, can reduce power generation by

up to 15% and 50 grams of dust per square meter can reduce energy loss by 55 – 63%. With proper planning and execution of maintenance, these losses can be prevented,

ensuring solar farms operate at maximum efficiency during the critical summer months.

Successful photovoltaic (PV) facility maintenance relies on early planning. Industry veterans know that January and February mark the critical starting point for developing comprehensive maintenance strategies. This early start ensures completion by March or April, which is well ahead of peak production months. However, the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns has complicated this timeline. Extended wet periods push maintenance windows later into spring or early summer, while unexpected warm spells can create unforeseen challenges that demand immediate attention.

A common misconception in the industry is that manufacturer-recommended

maintenance represents the maximum necessary level of care. Field experience has

repeatedly shown this is not the case and should be viewed as a starting point rather

than a plan. Each facility faces unique challenges shaped by its geography, equipment

configuration, and local environmental conditions. Some sites grapple with indigenous

insect populations that can wreak havoc on inverters, while others battle aggressive

vegetation growth that threatens system efficiency and can interfere with the proper

functioning of certain equipment.

Consider the complexity of spring maintenance activities. Aerial scans must be

conducted for DC health assessments, with results reviewed and repairs scheduled in a

timely manner. Inverters require thorough inspection and cleaning. Vegetation

management contractors need to be scheduled before the growth season begins. Panel

cleaning assessments should be completed in January and ideally executed by April or

May. Panel cleaning needs to be scheduled after vegetation maintenance has been

completed. Each of these activities involves multiple stakeholders, specific timing

requirements, and detailed documentation needs.

Climate change has significantly impacted traditional maintenance schedules. Extended periods of wet and cold weather pushing further into spring have disrupted conventional maintenance windows, while unexpected severe winter storms and heat waves can stress equipment beyond designed parameters. This new reality requires more flexible and robust maintenance strategies, including:

Modern solar farm maintenance requires more than just physical upkeep – it demands sophisticated asset management tools. Software platforms designed specifically for renewable energy enables site operators, owners, and asset managers to make data-

driven decisions, streamline workflows, and track outcomes. For example, the Radian Digital software platform can track field services, and equipment tickets, and provide a complete history of equipment performance across the fleet, including the business impact and time for repairs, helping with decisions on cost-benefit and preventive maintenance. These tools can also help determine additional actions that may need to be added to the standard maintenance regime.

Key benefits of digital asset management include:

To maximise energy generation, facility operators should prioritise:

Whether managing maintenance in-house, through third-party providers, or via digital solutions, success depends on expertise in renewable energy systems and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reported that even a light layer of dirt could lead to a 5% drop in solar panel efficiency, with more substantial losses when considering additional factors like bird droppings, leaves, and industrial pollution. Analytics and data insights can help facility managers to make informed decisions when performance is suboptimal regardless of plans and schedules.

The bottom line: effective maintenance programmes deliver measurable returns through sustained energy production and extended asset lifecycles. In an industry where every percentage point of efficiency matters, proactive seasonal preparation is not optional.