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Solar Operations Excellence

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3 contributions to Solar Operations Excellence
Monday Rookie Mistakes: How I Left 5 Combiner Boxes Off for 2 Months
Let me tell you about one of my most humbling moments in solar O&M. Back in 2021, I was managing an O&M service while also doing monitoring. During routine preventive maintenance, one of my technicians accidentally left 5 combiner boxes disconnected. Honestly? I get why it happened. Those boxes had the weirdest closing system, no LED indicators, and all the cables were buried. Easy mistake to make. But here's where it gets worse... The tech didn't check his work when he finished. I didn't verify it from the control room. We didn't even catch it in our end-of-month performance review. Two. Full. Months. It was only when I finally dug into the PR and energy performance index trends that I saw something was off. We pulled up the heat map and there it was—5 combiner boxes just sitting there, disconnected. Cue the emergency truck dispatch and some very awkward conversations. Here's what I learned (so you don't have to learn it the hard way): The real issue wasn't the technician's mistake. It was our process—or lack thereof. No combiner box monitoring. No systematic inverter comparison after maintenance. No immediate performance spot-checks. We got lucky. The PR impact was minimal. But that wake-up call changed everything about how we approach maintenance verification. Today, these mistakes don't happen anymore. Not because we became perfect, but because we built systems that catch human error before it costs time and money. What's your "oops, we missed that" moment? Share below—we're all learning together.
1 like • 2d
@Călin Sas This was in Zeeland 🤭 I can totally remember it. What I can’t remember is whether I’m the one who left them turned off. I know I left a few of them like that whahaha! But like you said, you learn from your mistakes, and that’s the beauty of it. Oh boy, I’ve learned a lot.
Expert View: Arc Flash Risk and Safe Isc Testing
Today, I witnessed an arc flash while a worker was attempting to measure the Isc of a PV string using a DMM. It was a horrific sight seeing. I would like to know, from an expert's perspective, what the safe procedure is for measuring the Isc on a PV string with a rated voltage of 1,369.42 VDC.
1 like • 19d
In my experience, the best way to perform an Isc measurement is to use a tool that is specifically designed for it. Personally, I use an HT meter. This meter allows you to safely connect the positive and negative leads and measure up to 1500 V DC. The reason I recommend this method is that when using a standard DC switch, there is a real risk of accidentally leaving the switch ON while performing multiple measurements. This can expose you to dangerous arcs or faults. The HT meter method eliminates that risk because the device is built to safely handle and control the short-circuit during the test. Reason I prefer an HT meter instead of a DC switch. 1. Designed specifically for Isc measurements HT meters have: • Built-in protection circuits • Current-limiting components • Anti-arc design • Automatic internal load management A DC switch has none of these. 2. No risk of leaving the switch ON When using a DC switch to create a controlled short: • You must remember to turn it OFF after each measurement. • If you forget, you could unintentionally leave the string shorted. • This can overheat the switch or cables and cause a dangerous arc. With an HT meter: • The short-circuit is controlled internally. • The meter automatically breaks the circuit when the measurement ends. • No external switch handling is required. 4. Safer handling of high-voltage DC 1500 V DC can produce: • Strong arcs • Instantaneous heating • Irreversible equipment damage HT meters like other meter similar to it are designed to withstand and safely manage these DC conditions. A normal DC isolator is not designed for repeatedly opening and closing high-current shorted circuits. 5. Faster and more consistent results HT meters: • Automate the testing process • Produce stable, accurate Isc readings • Reduce human error A manual DC switch introduces variability and potential mistakes. HT meter method (simplified) 1. Connect meter leads to the PV string (+ and –). 2. Meter automatically applies a controlled short.
Staying on Top of Solar Tasks
Hi everyone, my name’s Jason — you can read a bit about my background in my bio. I have a question for other solar monitoring professionals. How do you manage and keep track of your daily tasks, prioritize them, and handle escalations? What tools or programs are you using to stay organized and on top of everything? I currently monitor solar installations totaling over 700 MWp, and with so many ongoing issues daily, it can get exhausting trying to keep up with everything. Also, is there an industry standard or practical limit to how many megawatts one person should monitor effectively? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences and what’s been working best for you.
1 like • 29d
Hi Calin. Thanks for your feedback it is mucho appreciated your. Other thing also how or what can be use to keep track of your tasks?
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Jason Hooi
2
14points to level up
@jason-hooi-2885
Solar Monitoring Specialist focused on analyzing faults, optimizing performance, and ensuring efficient solar system operation.

Active 2d ago
Joined Nov 6, 2025
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