Solar group launches initiative to raise O&M standards

The UK solar industry has recently celebrated its third “Solar Independence Day”, the annual celebration of solar energy. To mark the occasion, the Solar Trade Association has launched an initiative to raise standards on the maintenance of rooftop and ground mount solar systems.

As an estimate the UK has in the region of 12 GW of solar PV. This would power the equivalent of 3.8 million homes. Further findings of the STA show that solar generation peaked in the early part of last month at 23.9% of UK electricity demand. Current figures suggest that there are 800,000 homes with solar PV and 200,000 with solar thermal.

The Association is keen to raise awareness of the importance of good quality operation and maintenance. This ensures the performance of commercial solar rooftops and solar farms through longevity and safe working condition. The body is seeking a best practice which is more than just the minimum standard.

Mark Turner, Chair of the Solar Trade Association Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Working Group said:

“With this initiative we want to raise standards and establish best practice across the UK in solar PV operations and maintenance, making sure people are aware that preventative action can avoid costly corrective action later. Solar PV plants have no moving parts but are power plants like any other, and therefore safety has to be our primary concern.” Paul Barwell, CEO of the Solar Trade Association added:

“The UK has successfully deployed almost 12GW of solar across the UK, providing nearly 25% during peak generation. This is what the country and the world needs to decarbonise the energy sector at the lowest price to the consumer. The Government’s adoption of the fifth carbon budget is a good long term signal in this regard.” “Solar Independence Day is about celebrating what a large group of small and medium sized businesses can achieve in a short period of time. We now need just one more push from the Government to help the solar sector reach its objective of zero subsidy by the early 2020s.”