Solar plant operators need to focus on asset performance, maintenance and operational data to optimise output and revenue and more effectively manage costs, according to DNV GL.
The company outlined in a new position paper – Get Smart: advanced strategies for operating solar assets – strategies to help owners and investors maximise solar energy production and revenue, and minimise costs.
It offers case studies from Spain, Chile, USA, France and the Netherlands to show how new approaches go “beyond historic metrics to deliver results”.
These include new methods to inspections, operations and maintenance records, data monitoring and smart analytics and ongoing improvements to solar forecasting, DNV GL said.
DNV GL global solar segment leader Ray Hudson said: “As worldwide installed solar capacity grows, the spotlight is shifting to operational factors, applying business intelligence and data analytics to assess, improve and optimise existing asset performance.
“In many markets, solar asset performance has been within the expected range, which has increased lender and investor confidence.
“However, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is a material difference between performing within the expected range and performing at optimum levels.”
Image: Morgue File
Solar needs to ‘Get Smart’
DNV GL paper offers new strategies for operators to maximise performance
By EBS