Under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP), Queensland is well on its way to becoming a solar superpower. But even in the Sunshine State, an abundance of sunlight alone isn’t enough to keep our solar farms running at peak efficiency.  

Queensland is a prime location for solar power generation. With a total land size of 1.73 million square kilometres, around 263 days of sunshine each year, and an average of 12 hours of sunshine per day, the state receives some of the highest levels of solar exposure in the world. 

The state also boasts an impressive array of rooftop installations, with one in three homes in Queensland now equipped with solar panels – the highest rate of household solar adoption in Australia.

And under the QEJP, Queensland is on track to add around 10,000 MW of large-scale solar generation – that’s around 40,000 hectares’ worth of new solar farms – over the next decade. 

But capturing the sun’s energy is only part of the equation. To ensure we’re maximising our bountiful solar resources, all of those solar panels also have to be maintained. 

What is a solar farm?

A solar farm is a vast installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels designed to harness sunlight and convert it to electricity. Thousands of these panels are spread out across large areas of land. The PV panels capture sunlight and transform it into electricity, with their efficiency directly tied to the amount of sunlight they receive. 

The scale of a solar farm can vary significantly, with some installations housing a few thousand panels and others boasting over a million. For example, a 1 MW solar farm typically requires around 3000 to 4000 solar panels, while a 100 MW farm could have between 300,000 and 400,000 panels.

While urban solar farms do exist, they’re usually situated on working agricultural land, or other large, open – and undeveloped – spaces.

Stanwell, for instance, has committed to a long-term 49 MW offtake agreement with the Blue Grass Solar Farm, located about 14 km north-west of Chinchilla. This 200 MW solar project is a key component of our strategy to deliver clean, renewable energy to our customers and reduce our carbon footprint.

The importance of solar farm maintenance

Much like agricultural farms, solar farms require ongoing maintenance to ensure they operate at peak efficiency.

While solar panels typically have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, these sophisticated systems are exposed to the elements, and regular upkeep is needed to prevent system failures, maximise energy production, and extend their lifespan.

Who carries out the maintenance?

Solar farm maintenance is carried out by technicians who come from either an electrical or trade background. Mechanical technicians handle the non-electrical installation, operation and maintenance on-site, while trade assistants often join the workforce to gain hands-on experience before pursuing a career in the field. 

Once the solar farm is operational, it is usually managed by just one or two technicians, depending on the size of the site. These individuals are responsible for ensuring the solar farm operates smoothly and efficiently, often working long hours in varying weather conditions to maintain the farm’s performance.

From repairing and overseeing the modules, inverters, cabling, and transformers, to managing access and data security, these technicians are the unsung heroes of solar energy production. They wash the photovoltaic panels, mow the grass, and constantly monitor energy production. Their hard work ensures that solar panels function seamlessly, keeping the investment generating energy – and revenue – for decades to come.

What’s involved in maintaining a solar farm?

Maintaining a solar farm involves a variety of tasks, many of which are repetitive and require manual labour. These tasks can be separated into several key categories: 

Routine inspections and cleaning

Technicians perform regular checks to identify and address any issues, such as cracks, corrosion, or loose connections in the panels. Regular cleaning is also essential to remove dust, dirt, and bird droppings that can block sunlight and reduce efficiency.

Monitoring and diagnostics

Advanced monitoring systems continuously track the performance of each panel and the overall system. These systems provide real-time data on energy output, temperature, and other critical parameters. Any anomalies or drops in performance are quickly detected, allowing for prompt intervention. This proactive approach minimises downtime and ensures that the solar farm operates at peak efficiency.

Component replacements and repairs

Over time, some components of a solar farm may require replacement due to wear and tear. This includes inverters, which convert the DC electricity produced by the panels into AC electricity for the grid, and batteries, which store excess energy. Regular maintenance includes timely replacements of these components to prevent failures and maintain consistent energy production. When solar panels reach the end of their lifespan, they’ll need to be replaced.

Vegetation management

Grass and weeds can grow around the solar panels, casting shadows and reducing their efficiency. Regular trimming and removal of vegetation and debris ensures that the panels receive unobstructed sunlight. 

Thermal imaging inspections

Thermal imaging technology is used to identify hotspots on the solar panels, indicating potential problems such as defective cells or poor connections.These inspections are vital for pinpointing issues that are not visible to the naked eye and allow for targeted repairs, preventing more significant problems down the line.

Weather-related maintenance

Solar farms in Queensland are exposed to a range of weather conditions, from intense sunlight to heavy storms. Weather-related maintenance involves securing panels and structures against high winds, ensuring proper drainage to prevent water damage, and checking for damage after extreme weather events. This type of maintenance helps safeguard the solar farm’s infrastructure and maintain its operational integrity.

Health and safety

During the operation and maintenance of a solar farm, it’s important to ensure the health and safety of people, property, and livestock. This includes not only the operational and maintenance workers, but also other individuals who may be affected by the farm’s activities, such as farmers moving livestock between the frames. By maintaining high safety standards, solar farms can operate efficiently without posing risks to the surrounding community.

By making sure all of these tasks are completed regularly, the owners of solar farms can continue to generate clean, reliable energy for years to come. 

The Stanwell Asset Maintenance Company, SAMCo, offers comprehensive solar farm maintenance services designed to keep solar assets operating at their best. Our skilled technicians perform routine inspections, cleaning, diagnostics, and repairs to maximise efficiency and longevity for solar panels. Using advanced monitoring systems and thermal imaging technology, we can proactively detect and address issues.