OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
First Solar is a trusted partner in taking care of our customers’ PV power plants after they are constructed and commissioned. Currently managing the operations and maintenance of several of the largest PV sites in the world, First Solar operations and maintenance (O&M) is maximizing our customers’ financial returns while complying with power purchase and large generator interconnection agreement requirements.
The goal of O&M is to help maximize our customers’ energy harvest and protect their investment by maintaining the plant and equipment to the highest industry standards. To achieve this goal, First Solar develops site-specific plans, processes, and procedures which document the O&M procedures for each individual power plant, ensuring first-class plant support.
First Solar O&M utilizes advanced features and infrastructures for managing our customers’ PV power plant investments, allowing First Solar to diagnose and repair equipment issues in hours, not days. These include:
- State-of-the-art Network Operations Center located in Tempe, Arizona
- Advanced analytical diagnostics through “smart monitoring” applications
- Customer web portal for each plant
- Comprehensive Computerized Maintenance Management System featuring MaximoTM that records all activity from all equipment
- First-rate training program for First Solar technicians and engineering personnel
- Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) program encompassing relevant industry requirements, managed by dedicated safety and environmental specialists
- 24/7 direct communication ability with grid operator
- Automated alarm and event notification to field technicians, managers, and customers
- Availability, capacity, and energy forecasting
- Advanced maintenance and equipment analysis techniques
- Direct pipeline to First Solar design, engineering, construction, and module experts
- Strong industry vendor relationships
The First Solar O&M team is a valuable partner for helping to ensure continued high performance and safety standards for all First Solar PV power plants. Our processes meet the regulatory requirements of NERC, WECC, CAISO, NEC, and EPA, as well as applicable state and local county standards, protecting the safety of our associates as well as that of the public.