Streamlining Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance with Novade Lite

Novade Lite is a powerful field management app that can streamline the entire solar panel installation and maintenance process, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and ultimately saving time and money. In this article, we’ll explore how Novade Lite can be used throughout the lifecycle of a solar panel project, from site surveys to installation, commissioning, and maintenance.

Site survey

The first step in any solar panel installation project is the site survey. This is a critical process that helps assess the feasibility of the project and determine the most optimal location for the solar panels.

With Novade Lite you can simplify the site survey process by creating a digitised form to collect all relevant information. The data can be entered on site, and then reviewed back in the office with the technical team. The digital checklist should include all necessary details to determine the feasibility of the project, including:

• the size and orientation of the site
• the availability of water and electricity
• the amount of sunlight that the site receives throughout the day including any obstacles that may block sunlight
• any other factors that may impact the installation process

This information can then be used to determine the optimal location for the solar panels and ensure that they are installed in the most effective way possible.

You can also capture pictures of the site to ensure that all parties involved in the project have a clear understanding of the site’s condition, and any potential challenges that may arise during the installation process.

Installation

Once the contract is signed, a digital project should be created in Novade Lite to coordinate work and keep all records. Start by inputting project information such as the site address, client information, and target schedule. Upload the site survey, proposals, contracts, and technical drawings so that the team in the field can easily access the project information on their mobile devices, ensuring that they are always up to date with the latest information.

Before starting work, you can use the application to conduct a risk assessment. A simple checklist can be very useful, especially for new employees, to ensure that safety requirements are met.

One of the most significant advantages of using a field management app like Novade Lite is the ability to capture pictures during each step of the installation. The team can capture pictures of the site before and after the installation, which can be used to compare the progress and ensure that the installation is completed to the highest quality. These visual records can also be extremely useful later, especially during the warranty period.

Commissioning

After the solar panel installation is complete, the next step is to commission the system. Commissioning is the process of verifying and documenting that the solar panel system is functioning correctly and meets all the necessary requirements.

Novade Lite can help streamline the commissioning process. A digital checklist can be created to manage the commissioning process, ensuring that all required tasks are completed, and any issues are identified and addressed. The solar panel commissioning checklist should include tasks such as verifying the wiring connections, ensuring the panels are generating electricity, and testing the system under different conditions such as varying sunlight levels. If any issues are identified during the commissioning process, related tasks can be created and assigned to the appropriate team member with clear owners and deadlines for resolution.

Additionally, Novade Lite can be used to create an internal site report that captures all expenses and time spent on the project. This data can be used later on to improve the overall performance of future projects. By analysing the data, you can identify any areas where you can optimise costs and improve efficiency, ensuring that your solar panel installation projects are completed on time and within budget.

Once commissioning is completed, all documentation can be prepared to close the contract and send invoices to collect final payments.

Maintenance

Maintaining a solar panel system is crucial to ensure that it continues to operate efficiently and generate maximum energy output. Using a field management app like Novade Lite can help simplify the maintenance process and ensure that critical activities are recorded accurately.

A digital checklist can be created to manage the maintenance process, ensuring that all necessary tasks are completed, and any issues or repairs are identified and addressed. The solar panel maintenance checklist could include tasks such as cleaning the panels, checking the wiring connections, and monitoring the system performance.

Novade Lite can be used to store all past maintenance records, making it easy for the team in charge of maintenance to access and review the maintenance history of the solar panel system. This can save a lot of time and help ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed quickly.

If issues or repairs are identified during the maintenance process, related tasks can be created in the app with clear owners and deadlines for resolution. The app can also help track progress on these tasks, ensuring that they are completed within the required timeframe.

Takeaway

Novade Lite is a powerful tool that can greatly benefit the solar panel installation and maintenance process. The app can be used to manage site surveys, proposals, contracts, technical drawings, safety processes, installation progress, commissioning, and maintenance records, all in one place. By capturing visual records during the installation process, the app can help ensure that the solar panel system is installed correctly and to the highest quality. Furthermore, by tracking expenses and time spent on the project, the app can help you identify areas for optimisation, improving efficiency, and reducing costs.

In conclusion, Novade Lite is a valuable tool that can help you improve the efficiency and quality of your solar panel installation and maintenance process. By streamlining your workflows and improving communication and collaboration, Novade Lite can help you achieve your solar panel installation and maintenance goals. If you are looking to optimise your solar panel projects and achieve the best results, consider using Novade Lite as your field management app of choice.