As commercial and industrial solar (C&I) grows, so too do the complexities of operations and maintenance (O&M), presenting unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. C&I solar teams face challenges that are unique to the sector and different from those found in utility-scale solar.
C&I’s challenges include spatial limitations, diverse ownership structures, and the need for maintenance protocols that are efficient and minimally disruptive to underlying commercial activities. However, advanced analytics and automation, including Raptor Maps’ AI tool Instant Inspections, are increasingly playing critical roles in enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of C&I solar operations.
READ MORE: Luminace Selects Raptor Maps’ Instant Inspections AI Solution for Solar Fleet
C&I solar’s key technical and operational considerations
A deeper dive into C&I solar reveals the following pain points that are specific to the sector:
Rooftop installation constraints: Mostly located in dense urban environments, these installations face challenges related to structural integrity, diverse roofing materials, and existing electrical systems within buildings. Also very important is the necessity for waterproofing solutions and secure mounting systems.
Ground-mounted system issues: Largely free from spatial constraints, these systems encounter challenges such as land utilization, soil integrity, and ecological considerations ensuring minimal land disturbance.
Ongoing maintenance and accessibility challenges: The diversity of C&I solar installations presents significant maintenance challenges. Rooftop units require safety protocols that may disrupt commercial operations below. Ground-mounted installations, by contrast, are more accessible but are often in remote locations, complicating logistics and increasing maintenance costs.
Electrical safety and fire hazards: Integrating C&I solar systems into commercial building infrastructures presents electrical challenges, from preventing circuit overload to ensuring compatibility with existing power systems. The risk of fire from electrical failures requires the implementation of detection and suppression systems, adding complexity and cost.
Inefficiencies related to multiple truck rolls: A recurring issue in C&I solar O&M is the need for multiple truck rolls, where technicians must visit a site several times to diagnose and fix problems. This inefficiency comes from a lack of real-time data on system performance. Each visit not only raises operational costs but also prolongs system downtime, impacting energy production and profitability.
Labor constraints: The rapid growth of the solar sector has surpassed the availability of skilled labor, creating a bottleneck in the installation and maintenance of C&I solar systems. This challenge is intensified by the specialized nature of C&I installations, which demand expertise in dealing the unique challenges of commercial settings.
Environmental conditions: The durability of C&I solar installations is constantly tested by environmental extremes, such as intense heat and severe weather conditions. These factors can accelerate the deterioration of solar components, requiring more frequent maintenance and potentially leading to system failures. For instance, installations in coastal areas must endure the corrosive effects of salt mist, while systems in desert locations degrade from sand and dust exposure.
Harnessing AI for C&I solar
Raptor Maps' Instant Inspections solution proves that AI can be transformative for solar O&M. By automating the analysis of vast datasets, Instant Inspections allows for proactive maintenance strategies, optimizing labor allocation, and enhancing the overall safety and efficiency of C&I solar operations.
Instant Inspections leverages advanced AI algorithms to analyze aerial data and provide comprehensive insights into asset health within 90 minutes. This rapid, data-driven approach enables operators to identify issues with accuracy, reducing the need for multiple truck rolls and also reducing risks associated with fire and system downtime.
Luminace, a Brookfield company with a distributed generation portfolio spanning more than 1,400 MW across more thN 1,400 sites, has integrated Instant Inspections into its O&M practices, underscoring the tool's value in real-world applications.
The increasing complexity of the C&I solar sector requires innovative O&M solutions. As the industry continues to grow, stakeholders must embrace the power of AI and advanced data analytics.
Next steps
From the civil engineering on your site down to the wiring on the back of your panels, the Raptor Solar platform provides you detailed, up-to-date data on the conditions and performance of your solar fleet so that your team has the intel they need to do their jobs effectively, quickly, and safely.
