Maximising Your Solar Farm's Full Potential with Best Practices for Australia and the Pacific

The renewable energy revolution is now well-established across Australia and the Pacific, with solar farms playing a central role in the transition to renewable energy. However, the journey doesn't end when construction is complete. 

Many solar farm owners soon face unexpected challenges after commissioning the project - from underperformance issues to maintenance headaches and grid connection challenges.

After years of consulting on solar projects throughout the region, the Coronium team has seen firsthand how adhering to solar farm best practices can transform an underperforming asset into a high-yield investment. 

The unique conditions across Australia and the Pacific create both opportunities and challenges that require specialised knowledge to navigate effectively. Now, let's dive into the best practices for optimising your solar farm’s performance and ensuring long-term success.

Assessing your current setup and a system performance review

Before making any optimisations, the first step in optimising any existing solar farm is a comprehensive performance assessment. Is your farm generating the energy output predicted during planning? Many installations in Australia and the Pacific underperform by 10-15% against projections, often due to issues that could be resolved with a solar expert.

As solar advisors, we typically conduct thorough efficiency assessments by comparing actual generation against theoretical models adjusted for local irradiance data. This process identifies system losses and inefficiencies that may not be apparent through standard monitoring.

Site and environmental factors

Environmental factors play a large role in solar farm performance, particularly across our region in Australia, where the harsh Australian sun makes our locations ideal for solar energy, however also poses challenges. Some of these challenges include:

• Vegetation management - is especially important in tropical Pacific regions where growth rates are accelerated

• Dust accumulation - a major efficiency reducer in arid Australian regions

• Wildlife interactions - from birds to grazing animals that can damage infrastructure

• Extreme weather considerations - particularly for cyclone-prone Pacific islands

A comprehensive solar farm site review ensures these factors aren't silently eroding your farm's performance.

Compliance and regulatory review

The regulatory landscape for solar farms across Australia and the Pacific keeps evolving, and ensuring ongoing compliance is essential not just for legal operation but for maintaining grid connection agreements. Common compliance issues we have identified include:

• Outdated grid protection settings that no longer meet current requirements

• Missing documentation for regulatory inspections

• Non-compliant safety systems that were installed correctly but have degraded

• Outdated certification for equipment that requires periodic renewal

By staying up-to-date with regulatory requirements, solar farms can avoid disruptions and ensure long-term success.

Troubleshooting common issues to ensure best practice

Let’s explore some of the key challenges and best practices for troubleshooting problems that can impact solar farm efficiency.

Addressing underperformance in solar farms

Solar farms across Australia and the Pacific often face underperformance due to several common issues. Panel degradation can occur faster than expected, especially in coastal areas, where salt spray accelerates wear. 

Inverter inefficiencies in high temperatures are common and can lead to efficiency losses due to outdated firmware or missed maintenance. String issues, like faulty connections, often go undetected and can reduce output.

Grid connection challenges & component wear

Grid connection challenges, such as voltage fluctuations, can cause inverters to disconnect in weaker grid areas. New export limitations and frequency response challenges are increasingly relevant as renewable energy grows, particularly in remote locations.

Component wear and gradual deterioration of the solar farm can be accelerated by harsh climates, with panel conditions affected by UV exposure and thermal cycling, and mounting systems prone to corrosion, especially near the coast. Electrical connections can also degrade over time, leading to failure if not monitored.

Solar optimisation techniques

Strategic upgrades can breathe new life into aging solar farms and an upgrade can in return significantly boost performance. Panel replacement can improve output, while inverter upgrades ensure better grid support and efficiency. Enhancing monitoring systems allows for quicker identification of issues. 

Adding energy storage improves farm economics by storing energy for peak use and providing grid services while ensuring continuous operation during grid disturbances.

Advanced monitoring tools like string-level monitoring, weather correlation, and thermal imaging help detect underperformance early.

Ongoing solar maintenance and monitoring

Regular maintenance is key to a top performing solar farm. Inspections should factor in local weather and extreme events, with thermographic surveys identifying issues like high-resistance connections. Cleaning schedules must be adjusted for local conditions to prevent mineral buildup, and vegetation management ensures stable, efficient performance by preventing shading.

Maximising solar farm returns

Small improvements like reducing cable loss and optimising trackers or inverters can significantly boost efficiency. Strategic upgrades, such as adding bifacial panels or retrofitting with trackers, can increase production, while microinverters recover energy in shaded sections.

Financial incentives, such as modernisation grants and carbon offset premiums, help reduce upgrade costs and improve profitability.

Future planning of your solar farm

Long-term planning ensures sustained performance. Degradation modelling and end-of-life strategies help forecast optimal intervention timing. Preparing for emerging markets like grid services allows solar farms to capitalise on future opportunities.

Final thoughts

Optimising existing solar farms in Australia and the Pacific is essential for maximising returns and contributing to the renewable energy transition. Contact us today to learn how we can help you implement best practices for enhanced solar performance, longer lifespan, and increased profitability.