Poor Maintenance and Vanishing Installers Causing Heavy Losses to Solar Power Plant Owners

New Delhi: As India’s solar capacity continues to expand rapidly, a growing number of solar power plant owners are facing significant losses in electricity generation and revenue due to inadequate operation and maintenance (O&M) and unreliable installation practices, industry experts warn.

While solar power plants are promoted as low-maintenance, long-term assets, professionals in the sector say that lack of regular servicing and monitoring can reduce annual power generation by 15 to 25 per cent, severely impacting the financial viability and return on investment (ROI) of projects.

Maintenance Neglect Reduces Power Output

Solar modules, though robust, are constantly exposed to dust, pollution, heat, humidity and electrical stress. Without periodic cleaning, inspection and preventive maintenance, performance gradually deteriorates.

Industry specialists point out that common issues such as soiled panels, inverter tripping, loose electrical connections, grounding faults and unnoticed system failures often remain undetected for months in the absence of proper O&M.

“Even a short period of inverter downtime or unclean panels can lead to measurable revenue loss, especially for commercial and industrial consumers,” an energy sector analyst said.

Installers Disappearing After Commissioning

A more serious concern, according to solar plant owners, is the increasing number of EPC companies that install solar plants but disappear soon after commissioning.

Once the project is handed over, many such firms fail to provide post-installation support, leaving owners without technical assistance, spare parts access or warranty coordination.

As a result:
• Monitoring systems stop functioning
• Minor faults escalate into major failures
• Warranty claims become difficult to process
• Plant owners are forced to seek costly third-party service providers

These abandoned installations, often referred to in the industry as “orphaned solar plants,” typically operate far below their designed capacity, leading to prolonged downtime and escalating financial losses.

Why Prestigious and Reliable Installers Matter

Industry experts stress that choosing a prestigious, financially stable and experienced installer is critical for protecting a solar investment over its entire lifecycle.

Many low-cost EPC players enter the market, execute installations aggressively, and then shut operations or shift focus, leaving customers stranded. When installers vanish, plant owners suffer not only from technical issues but also from extended ROI periods, as generation losses continue year after year.

A reputed installer ensures:
• Correct system design and component selection
• Proper inverter sizing and cabling standards
• Strong earthing and safety practices
• Long-term service infrastructure and trained manpower
• Warranty support and manufacturer coordination

“Solar is a 25-year asset. If the installer disappears in two years, the customer pays the price for the next 23,” said a senior renewable energy consultant. “A slightly higher upfront cost with a reliable company often saves multiples of that amount over the plant’s lifetime.”

Importance of Reliable Installation Partners

Experts emphasise that quality installation is as important as ongoing maintenance. Poor design, incorrect inverter sizing, substandard cabling and weak earthing practices can cause chronic performance issues that persist throughout the plant’s life.

“Maintenance cannot fully compensate for faulty installation,” said a senior solar consultant. “Choosing a reliable and experienced EPC partner at the outset is critical to ensure stable generation and predictable returns.”

Jetsor Power Systems Highlights Financial Impact

When this correspondent spoke to a representative of Jetsor Power Systems Pvt Ltd, a company involved in solar plant operation and maintenance, the financial impact of neglect was highlighted clearly.

“In the absence of regular and professional maintenance, solar plant owners face continuous generation loss, frequent inverter failures and faster degradation of key components. In many cases, these losses are not immediately visible but eventually translate into lakhs or even crores of rupees in lost revenue. Proper installation by a reliable partner and consistent O&M are essential to protect a solar investment,” the representative said.

Growing Need for Professional O&M Services

With solar plants expected to operate for more than two decades, industry observers believe that professional O&M services and long-term maintenance contracts will play a critical role in sustaining India’s renewable energy ambitions.

Plant owners are increasingly seeking dependable service providers capable of offering regular inspections, performance monitoring and timely corrective action.

As the sector matures, experts caution that solar success will depend not just on capacity addition, but on sustained performance, reliable installers and long-term service support.