Energetica India Magazine December 2020

SOLAR POWER Analytics to Drive Efficiency in Solar Big data analytics provides the means to streamline their O&M processes to a great extent. Many analytics tools have been proven beneficial for running day-to-day- operations of various solar plants. To mention one, Virtual Irradiance (VI), a solar management program based on big data, which collects ground-level irradiance or sunlight intensity data accurately, eliminates the need for expensive on-site sensors. 21 energetica INDIA- December_2020 Over the years, data analytics has been adopted in the solar industry for its sig- nificant benefits to asset owners in cat - egorizing data and generating useful in- sights. While solar panels let us tap into almost inexhaustible power, data helps us do it efficiently and cost-effectively. Though solar power generation is on the rise, the unpredictable nature of sunlight often hampers the overall renewable energy production. Consequently, it be- comes difficult for solar plants to operate at their maximum potential. Advance- ments in big data, predictive analytics, and machine learning is rapidly chang- ing this scenario by helping the solar in- dustry to predict weather conditions well in advance, allowing renewable plants to increase their production significantly. In these ways and more, big data and solar power make an ideal match that will help drive the renewable sector forward. One of the biggest applications of data analytics in the solar industry is the streamlining of operation and mainte- nance processes, further optimizing the energy production and its distribution. Solar panels are geographically dis- persed and often installed by thousands at remote sites. In essence, ground-level operation and maintenance of this phys- ical infrastructure spread across a vast terrain has become a tough balancing act, affecting the daily energy output of the plant. Big data analytics provides the means to streamline their O&M pro- cesses to a great extent. Many analytics tools have been proven beneficial for running day-to-day- operations of vari- ous solar plants. To mention one, Virtual Irradiance (VI), a solar management pro - gram based on big data, which collects ground-level irradiance or sunlight inten- sity data accurately, eliminates the need for expensive on-site sensors. With the ability to send a signal whenever solar panels underperform or over perform, this software can help verify how well so - lar panels perform under varying weath - er conditions compared to their ratings. With this condition monitoring enabled, the ground crew can quickly locate the problem and take appropriate action while considerably reducing operations and maintenance costs. Proper O&M gives rise to better-connected smart energy grids, which contribute to cost savings in their own way by providing real-time analysis during outages and making restorative service calls more accurate and quicker to carry out. While cost is another most frequently cit- ed driver of solar power adoption, data analytics is a savior as well. Big data and predictive analytics technology is allowing solar companies to produce more energy without adding additional infrastructure costs. The ability to extract useful information from big data is one of the reasons behind the gradual decline in energy prices. Instead of increasing the number of solar panels, the value is in increasing the efficiency of exist - ing plant infrastructure. Another visible obstacle in this sector’s growth rate is quality data for financial organizations, banks, and insurance companies re - considering renewable energy projects as credible investment options. The lack of reliable data supporting the long-term viability of a project is usually why most investors are hesitant to back an energy venture. Data analytics has made way for the companies to forecast energy generation based on past performance, weather, and other parameters accu - rately. It can also help determine the pre - cise quantity of solar panels required to produce the desired output, making the project more bankable than it has been. Madhu Sudhan VP Marketing, SenseHawk, Inc.