Operating a 1000 MW (1 GW) utility-scale solar plant requires managing massive, distributed infrastructure. Key O&M (Operations & Maintenance) and EHSQ (Environment, Health, Safety, and Quality) issues for a new plant include soiling losses (10-30% reduction), tracker alignment failures, inverter tripping, and high-voltage substation maintenance. 

Here is a breakdown of daily, weekly, and monthly O&M and EHSQ issues and tasks.

1. Daily O&M and EHSQ Tasks & Issues

SCADA & Performance Monitoring: Reviewing inverter/string performance for tripping, communication failures, and underperforming zones.

Security & Surveillance: Checking fencing, CCTV, and motion sensors for theft or unauthorized entry, particularly in remote 1000 MW sites.

Safety Briefing (TBT): Daily Tool Box Talks focusing on PPE compliance, electrical safety (arc-flash protection), and working in high-temperature environments.

Grid Compliance: Monitoring power factor, reactive power, and grid voltage to comply with regulations. 

2. Weekly O&M and EHSQ Tasks & Issues

Module Cleaning (Soiling Management): In arid, dusty zones, weekly cleaning is often necessary to prevent 17–25% power generation loss.

Inverter/PCS Room Inspection: Checking for error codes, cooling fan functionality, and unusual noise in Power Conditioning Systems.

Tracker & Structure Check: Inspecting tracker alignment (if tracking system is used) and checking for loose bolts or damaged PV modules.

EHSQ Incident Review: Inspecting high-risk areas for hazards (snakes/wildlife, loose cables) and reviewing PPE usage. 

3. Monthly O&M and EHSQ Tasks & Issues

Thermal Imaging (Thermography): Scanning modules for hotspots, snail trails, and defective cells.

Electrical Maintenance: Torque checks on PV modules, tracker structures, and electrical cabinet connections (to avoid overheating).

Substation & Transformer Maintenance: Checking oil levels, temperature, and earthing pit resistance.

Vegetation Management: Clearing vegetation to prevent shading and fire risks.

EHSQ Audit: Conducting internal audits for emergency response procedures, firefighting equipment, and hazardous material storage.

Key 1000 MW Specific Challenges

Labour-Intensive Cleaning: Large scale makes manual cleaning expensive; automated/robot cleaning is often required.

Water Management: Finding sustainable water sources for module cleaning in arid regions.

Spare Parts Management: Ensuring enough inverters, modules, and tracker motors are on-site to minimize downtime.

Voltage Hazards: Managing safety around 33kV/220kV or 400kV switchyards.

Summary Table of Issues

Category Daily Weekly Monthly

O&M SCADA, Inverter Trips Cleaning, Tracker Check IR Scan, Torque Check

EHSQ PPE/TBT, Security Hazards, Fire Risk Audit, Weed Contr