How Will the DOE and kWh Analytics Boost Solar Resilience?

September 24, 2024

In an era where climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the resilience of solar photovoltaic (PV) assets has become paramount for the sustainability of clean energy infrastructure. The increasing occurrence of hailstorms, hurricanes, and floods poses significant risks to solar PV installations, which are essential components of the renewable energy sector. Addressing this pressing need, kWh Analytics has formed a $2.4 million partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) through the Materials, Operation, and Recycling of Photovoltaics (MORE PV) Funding Program. This groundbreaking collaboration is focused on integrating resilience measures at every stage of the solar PV asset lifecycle, aiming to enhance their ability to withstand natural catastrophes.

The Need for Resilience in Solar PV Assets

As extreme weather events become more common and destructive, the necessity for building resilient solar infrastructure has never been greater. Solar PV assets, being located outdoors, are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters such as hail, hurricanes, and floods. The industry must adapt to protect these assets and ensure the continuous generation of clean energy. This project seeks to embed resilience measures into the early stages of asset development, making it easier to defend against climate-related threats.

Resilience measures include developing stronger mounting systems, hail-resistant panels, and advanced monitoring technologies that can help operators respond swiftly to damaging events. These techniques aim to minimize downtime and financial losses while extending the lifespan of solar PV installations. The need for such robust systems is becoming a non-negotiable aspect of solar project planning and execution. By addressing these challenges early, the solar industry can safeguard its investments and contribute more effectively to the global energy transition.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

kWh Analytics will create innovative tools that enable solar asset developers to make well-informed decisions on resilience measures. These tools will be crucial at every stage of a solar project—design, construction, and operation—and will provide specific guidance for mitigating risks posed by various natural disasters. The development of these tools aims to integrate predictive analytics and real-time monitoring capabilities, helping developers choose materials and designs that offer maximum durability.

For instance, these advanced tools could recommend the use of reinforced structures in hurricane-prone areas or hail-resistant panels in regions susceptible to frequent hailstorms. By offering data-driven insights, these tools aim to help solar developers build more resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding severe weather conditions. The objective is to create a comprehensive framework that anticipates risks and prepares solar PV assets to endure and recover quickly from disruptive natural events, thereby ensuring their long-term viability and reliability.

Collaboration with Industry Experts

This initiative has garnered support from numerous industry experts, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach to resolving complex challenges. The National Renewable Energy Lab, DNV, and STANCE Renewable Risk Partners are some of the key partners contributing to this project. Each of these collaborators brings specialized knowledge and expertise that are essential for advancing resilience in solar energy systems.

The involvement of multiple stakeholders ensures a holistic approach, incorporating a wide range of research, engineering, and risk management perspectives. The National Renewable Energy Lab will lead research efforts to define best practices, while DNV will offer independent engineering consulting, and STANCE Renewable Risk Partners will provide risk assessment and management services. This collaborative effort will consolidate industry knowledge, helping set new standards for resilience in the renewable energy sector. By pooling expertise, these partners aim to drive significant advancements in the resilience of solar PV assets.

Real-World Data Aggregation

A cornerstone of this project is the aggregation of real-world data on physical losses in renewable energy systems. This data will serve as the foundation for developing standardized best practices across the industry. By studying the actual impacts of natural disasters on solar PV assets, the project aims to create a realistic and reliable framework for resilience.

kWh Analytics’ extensive database covers over 300,000 operating renewable energy assets, offering deep insights into various risk factors. This trove of data allows for a comprehensive analysis, helping to identify the most effective resilience measures. By turning real-world data into actionable guidelines, the industry can better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of natural catastrophes. The goal is to leverage aggregated data to set new resilience standards that can be widely adopted, ensuring the robustness of solar PV systems in diverse environmental conditions.

Commitment to the Energy Transition

The partnership between kWh Analytics and the DOE signifies a strong commitment to advancing the renewable energy transition. Jason Kaminsky, CEO of kWh Analytics, emphasizes the importance of this endeavor in promoting clean energy solutions that are both reliable and resilient. The project’s alignment with kWh Analytics’ mission—to provide superior insurance for climate-related risks—underscores its significance.

By employing data-driven insights, kWh Analytics aims to improve risk assessment and underwriting decisions. Their approach will contribute to more dependable and economically viable renewable energy projects. This initiative not only supports the energy transition but also strengthens the overall stability and security of the clean energy infrastructure. By focusing on resilience, this partnership aims to create a robust framework that enables the renewable energy sector to meet its long-term goals.

Holistic Improvements through the MORE PV Program

kWh Analytics will develop groundbreaking tools to help solar asset developers make informed decisions on resilience measures. Vital during all phases of a solar project—design, construction, and operation—these tools will offer specific strategies to mitigate risks from various natural disasters. They aim to integrate predictive analytics and real-time monitoring to assist developers in choosing materials and designs for maximum durability.

These sophisticated tools could, for example, advise using reinforced structures in hurricane-prone areas or hail-resistant panels in regions frequently hit by hailstorms. By providing data-driven insights, these tools intend to help solar developers build more resilient infrastructures that can withstand severe weather conditions. The goal is to establish a thorough framework that anticipates risks and prepares solar PV assets to endure and recover swiftly from disruptive natural events, thus ensuring their long-term viability and reliability. This comprehensive approach ensures that solar projects are not only efficient but also capable of handling the challenges posed by an ever-changing climate.

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