Maintenance Requirements

The photovoltaic modules do not require any maintenance. In almost all climates they are self-cleaning if mounted at an angle of at least 15° to the horizontal.

For batteries, there will be a need to add water every 6-12 months, unless the battery is of the 'sealed' type. There is no such thing as a maintenance-free battery, even if it is of the 'sealed' type. It should be inspected and cleaned every 6-12 months.

For charge controllers, there is no need for maintenance. However, if the system is checked every 6-12 months, it does no harm to check the controller's function at the same time. The more sophisticated controllers will indicate if they have a fault, whilst still continuing to function in an emergency mode.

Most unmanned sites need to be checked once a year only, when routine battery maintenance work can be performed.