Solar materials producer DuPont Photovoltaics Solutions to cooperate with Internet of Things pioneer in big energy data Envision to develop effective degradation analysis for solar modules. The collaboration will work on examining actual field data of modules to determine why some degrade faster than usual. Image: DuPont As the solar industry’s thirst for greater quality control grows, an ever-increasing number of companies are delivering solutions specifically designed to improve PV’s durability, efficiency and reliability. And today, two of the leading proponents in the push for PV quality – DuPont Photovoltaics Solutions and Envision – have announced that they will collaborate on the development of a predictive analytics solution designed to identify and eventually mitigate degradation in PV modules. DuPont, which produces module backsheets and PV metallization pastes for the industry, will work alongside Envision – a leading digital energy company that manages more than 100 GW of energy assets globally with its Internet of Things (IoT) platform EnOS – to study module reliability, including backsheet failure mechanisms, in order to improve the analytics for aging solar assets. Field data of modules installed globally will be assessed by the companies, with the aim being to identify the most effective steps towards ensuring durability, and then to market and promote their efforts, results and recommended solutions globally. According to DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions EMEA regional marketing leader Stephan Padlewski. The combination of the two firms’ strengths will bring together material science capabilities and expertise in big data analytics in a way not seen before in the solar industry. “We can help provide asset owners with a quantitative and predictive analysis of aging for preventive maintenance of solar panels and their components in the field,” Padlewski said. Envision’s head of global solar center of excellence Kam Mofid added that the creation of a “best-in-class analytics for PV module degradation and risk mitigation” would prove beneficial for all key stakeholders operating in the solar industry worldwide. Ian joined the pv magazine team in 2013 and specializes in power electronics (inverters) and battery storage. Ian also reports on the UK solar market, having worked as a print and web journalist in Britain for various multimedia companies, covering topics ranging from renewable energy and sustainability to real estate, sport and film. More articles from Ian Clover
Solar energy equipment maker DuPont Photovoltaics Solutions and energy data firm Envision are to investigate why solar panels fail in hopes of making them more durable . DuPont makes panel components and Envision manages more than 100 GW of energy through its internet of technology ( IoT ) platform EnOS . They plan to create an online platform that can identify when and why panels degrade .