O&M Under a Solar PPA: What the Provider Covers
One of the biggest PPA selling points is that operations and maintenance are not your problem. But the contract scope matters — here's what a well-drafted O&M annex typically covers.
What good O&M covers
- 24/7 remote monitoring of inverter, string and module-level output.
- Annual on-site inspection including thermal imaging.
- Panel cleaning where soiling losses exceed 3%.
- Inverter replacement (typically year 12-15) included in scope.
- String fault diagnosis and rectification within 48 hours.
- Performance ratio (PR) guarantee — typically 78%+ — with make-good payments if PR falls below.
- Insurance: property, public liability, business interruption tied to non-performance.
- REGO certificate administration and SEG export submission.
What's typically NOT covered
- Roof structural defects — that's the building owner's problem unless the PPA caused them.
- Vandalism or theft (covered by insurance but excess paid by off-taker in some structures).
- Force majeure events (storm damage above design wind load, flooding).
Performance ratio (PR) guarantee — read the small print
Most providers offer a PR guarantee of 78-82% averaged over rolling 12 months. If actual PR drops below, the provider compensates — usually by reducing the next quarter's tariff or paying make-good.
Watch for: (a) how PR is calculated (some providers use favourable methodologies); (b) what counts as a force-majeure exclusion; (c) measurement methodology (IPMVP Option B is the gold standard); (d) dispute resolution mechanism.
See the O&M annex before you sign
Our PPA diligence checklist forces the provider to show their O&M scope upfront — before contracts go to legal.
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