French research center working on software to predict energy loss in solar plants

• Liten is creating software to assess energy waste in solar facilities at every stage of operation. The algorithm is intended for optimized maintenance and guaranteed performance of large-scale PV plants.

The French CEA’s unit focused on nanomaterials and new energy tech is currently developing a method of evaluating energy loss in utility-scale photovoltaic projects from the instant when sunlight reaches a solar cell till the moment of electricity supply to power grid. 

This R&D has been ordered by operators of solar farms. The tool is scheduled to be launched in mid-2020 and will be only available to license holders. It is meant to predict possible defects leading to energy waste in inverters, cables and panels. The software is expected to help maximize energy harvest and optimize plant maintenance.

The research institute is developing the algorithm based on assessment of operation of projects tendered by French CRE over the last seven years. The researchers analyze and compare multiple power stations, taking into account their age, location, technology and other factors.

The SW will generate loss diagrams to analyze operation of the solar plant accurately. Based on these graphs, one will be able to follow gradual degradation of the plant performance observed with the course of time. 

As well, the developers expect the algorithm to optimize calculation of LCOE from the scheduled projects in order to be able to estimate their economic feasibility in advance.