The Missouri Wind and Solar team discusses many of the common maintenance needs of your alternative energy system.

Regular Things to Check:

Wind Turbine Maintenance:

• Check for twisted wires
• Check wire connections
  • make sure there are no cracks in the wire or loose connections
• Shaft nut tightness
  • make sure the shaft nut is securely in place
  • *you can add a little blue Loctite to ensure it stays where it should
  • check your lock washer to make sure it’s in good shape
• Blade inspection
  • check to make sure nuts and bolts are snug
• Check for corrosion on the slip ring
• Check the PMG for anything inside the case or corrosion of any kind

Consider Replacing:

• Mechanical relays after 3 years
• Yaw bearings after 2 years

Solar Panels

• Adjust solar panel angle
• Wipe the solar panels to remove dirt
• Clean frost from your panels
  • A water/alcohol mixture does the trick
• Make sure your charge controller is adequate
  • Solar panels can produce about 10% more in winter months

Pond Aeration

• Add a check valve to the hose in your pond aeration kit
• Make sure diffuser rings are not plugged with debris