Articles

Potential induced degradation (PID) is an issue that all solar stakeholders, especially owners and O&Ms should be taking seriously even if it only affects a small minority of modules.Given the substantial time and expense associated with testing individual modules or strings using IV-curve tracing or electroluminescence testing, operators can use drone thermography to identify modules potentially affected by PID in a timely and cost-effective manner. In this article we will explain why it is important to identify PID in solar modules.

After months of hard work and problem-solving, your solar project is ready to start the commissioning process. Milestone payments, contractual deadlines, and the need for resources to move to the next project all hinge on a successful commissioning. While technical aspects are crucial to ensure your system is ready to hand off, other factors also play a significant role. In this article, we will review some technical and non-technical best practices that will make the asset owner’s life easier.

Efficient operations and maintenance (O&M) play a pivotal role in the success of utility-scale solar projects. As renewable energy continues to grow, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for solar installations becomes paramount. In the following article, we will explore the best practices that drive success in utility-scale solar O&M. We will discuss the importance of regular inspections and maintenance, the role of data-driven decision-making, and the integration of innovative drone technology.

New Jersey’s community solar program is set to expand following the signing of a new law by Governor Phil Murphy. Governor Murphy signed a bill in January 2024 to bolster New Jersey’s community solar program, with the aim of expanding its overall size and ensuring greater access for low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents.

In the dynamic landscape of renewable energy, solar farms have emerged as a vital component in the transition towards a greener future. Recognizing the pivotal role wildflowers can play in the solar industry, it is important to ensure they can thrive on new and existing solar farms. Drones have stepped in to offer highly detailed, fast, and accurate evaluation of wildflower health. In this article we will explore the intricate relationship between wildflowers and solar farms and the urgency for effective post-planting assessments.

New Jersey has been at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, where the state is not only committed to reducing its environmental footprint but also ensuring the benefits of sustainable energy are accessible to all its residents, regardless of their economic circumstances or housing situation. In this overview, we will investigate the details of the New Jersey Community Solar Energy Program, exploring its objectives, achievements, and the tangible benefits it offers to the diverse communities of the state.

Floating solar farms are an innovative solution to address the challenges associated with traditional solar farms, but they come with their own challenges, including maintenance and safety hazards. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of floating solar farms and the challenges associated with maintaining them.

Solar power has emerged as a popular option due to its eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness, however, maintenance and upkeep can be a challenging task. Emerging technologies using drones with aerial thermography have the potential to revolutionize solar Operations and Maintenance (O&M). This article will explore leveraging these technologies in solar O&M to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, increase safety, and minimize maintenance costs.

The transfer process from one asset owner to another can be a very complex and time-consuming transaction, but there are several ways to mitigate risk for both parties. To minimize the risks involved and ensure a smooth transfer, it is important to incorporate aerial drone inspections into the process. In this article we will explore 5 ways drones can help minimize risk during ownership transfers.

The demand for renewable energy continues to grow at a rapid pace. Solar energy has become the third biggest renewable power source in the world, with photovoltaic (PV) technology the most dominant form of solar energy. In this article, we will explore five major benefits of using drones for monitoring solar farm construction progress, including photographic documentation for record keeping, identifying as-designed vs as-built conflicts, verification of completed contractor tasks, accessing traffic management plans, and locating on-site safety risks.

The use of digital twins in the solar energy industry continues to grow to monitor and maintain existing structures, optimize performance, and improve efficiency. This article will look at the role of drones in the creation of digital twins for solar farms, the benefits digital twins offer to stakeholders, and how you can digitize your solar assets with drones.

Solar energy has seen tremendous growth as a commercial energy source. However, natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms can cause significant damage to solar farms, making repairs both costly and time-consuming. In this article, we will delve into the utilization of drones in post-disaster assessments of solar farms to get PV systems back online as quickly as possible.