Next Generation Laser Scribing Solution for Thin Film PV

Hailed as the perfect solution for solar in the building environment for many years, only a very limited number of building integrated systems have been installed for various reasons. With the first cities, states and countries having passed laws for mandatory solar inclusion for new houses and leading global module manufacturers launching first BIPV products, it looks like the time has come for this to change.

While administrative hurdles are still a great concern for solar developers, EPCs also face material supply shortages, continuously new products and a shortage of qualified installers. At the same time, the current inflationary environment is creating immense cost pressure at each step. As high systems yields are crucial for the profitable operation of utility-scale power plants, O&Ms and asset managers employ sophisticated digital tools and advanced analytics to optimize the performance of utility-scale solar plants.

The utility-scale segment is being digitized at a rapid pace. New digital tools make workflows along the PV power plant value chain more cost-effective: from development to operations and maintenance. A key concept in PV digitalization is the so-called digital twin, a digital representation of the physical PV plant that accurately simulates the performance of a solar system. A digital twin enables better failure detection and support of the O&M decision-making process. This session will discuss:The role of digitalization and digital twins in the solar power plant sectorHow digitalization can enhance O&M activitiesNeed for full integration of data along the value chain of PV power plantsBenefits, drawbacks and hurdles for digitalization in the utility-scale segment (panel debate)

The advances in technology along the solar value chain in recent years have been breathtaking: Innovations have included considerably larger wafers, new cell technologies, much higher-efficiency solar modules, smarter inverters with management systems that can control fully electrified high-tech homes and less material-intensive fixed or tracking mounting systems that can be installed faster and boost system yields. This session will provide an overview of the latest technologies.