O&M

High temperatures can affect different components of PV systems. Inverters can fail, the efficiency of solar modules can decline, and existing cell damage can become worse. However, investors, planners, and operators can adjust to heat waves in a number of different ways.

Government researchers have refined their learning curve calculations and quantified how focusing on CAPEX alone can underestimate declines in project costs.

Also on the rise: How much will solar costs rise? The answer to where Qcells will build its manufacturing plant. Interesting gear at Intersolar. Duke and installers compromise on net metering. And more.

Also on the rise: Borrego sells development business, including 8.4 GW solar pipeline. Trackers in uneven terrain. 50 states of solar incentives: Pennsylvania. Storage and robots at Intersolar Europe 2022.

Across from a multitude of solar panel cleaning robots, ees Europe showed off flow batteries, and hydrogen – though lithium ion vendors dominated the conference.

The commercial PV industry continues to grow at record rates and shows every indication that it will continue to supplement and even surpass conventional energy production methods in the future. The requirement for professional and experienced operations and maintenance service providers has grown right along with it, as solar is an investment that needs to be protected and cared for.

The Boston-based firm provides solar inspection software-as-a-service, powered by machine learning and drone aircraft imagery.

Also on the rise: Solar on pace to save the world. Solar investments are scaling up, but inefficient O&M is weighing them down. Kevin Hostetler named CEO of Array Technologies. AgriSolar tour makes first stop at Biosphere 2. Boviet Solar R&D initiatives include 600W modules, N-Topcon, and HJT cells. With acquisition of Green IT, Radian Generation adds cybersecurity to its asset management toolbox. County-wide community solar campaign launches in New York. Gloomy IPCC report notes that capital flowing to fossil fuels still greater than that directed toward combating climate change.

With cyberattacks a growing concern for grid-connected distributed energy resources, Radian augments its services with Green IT’s expertise in operational technology and cybersecurity.

While costs are everything in the solar industry, sourcing the cheapest O&M contract possible is a dangerous game and such short-sighted sacrifices often end up costing asset owners more in the long run.