| Abstract: | The field performance of photovoltaic systems has been studied extensively for many applications and a number of databases exist in the United States and internationally. However, these databases focus almost exclusively on the system elecrical performance. Published information on the operation and maintenance (O&M) experience and costs for photovoltaic systems is almost nonexistent. At a time when photovoltaics is being considered as a viable option for distributed energy generation, it is critical that maintenance experience be captured to identify lifecycle costs and/or levelized energy costs for these systems, as well as to identify areas for system and component improvements. This paper addresses the data collection, analysis and results of an off‐grid residential customer service program offered by the Arizona Public Service (APS) Company over a six‐year period from 1997 through 2002. Standardized, packaged photovoltaic systems were offered and operated by APS through a lease arrangement with customers throughout the state of Arizona. The operation and maintenance records for these systems were carefully tracked and analyzed. The O&M costs, database development, cost drivers, lifecycle cost implications, and lessons learned are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
