Advancing Solar O&M: Insights from ACME Cleantech’s AVP & Head of O&M – Ashutosh Singh, Assistant Vice President (Head – Solar O&M), ACME Group

Key Highlights

• ACME’s data-driven approach optimizes efficiency through analytics, enabling proactive maintenance and performance enhancement in solar operations.
• Emphasis on cultivating a skilled workforce and fostering innovation ensures ACME stays ahead in the dynamic solar O&M market.
• Robust risk management strategies, tailored to India’s diverse climates, safeguard ACME’s solar assets, ensuring long-term sustainability and reliability.

1: What is the current state of solar O&M practices in the Indian market, particularly highlighting trends and challenges?

Answer: 

Trends:

• There are two models right now in solar O&M, first one where IPP themselves manage O&M of Solar plant and second where IPP outsource the O&M to third party O&M operators.
• Tech adoption: Data-driven tools like AI and remote monitoring are increasingly used for predictive maintenance and performance optimization.
• Specialization: Dedicated O&M companies are emerging, offering improved quality and expertise compared to EPC contractors.
• Robotic cleaning: There are several companies offering automated cleaning solutions for Solar plants which are water free and enhance the yield of solar plants.
• Standardization efforts: Initiatives like “O&M Best Practice Guidelines: India” aim to improve service quality and transparency.

Challenges:

• Skill: There is high demand of skilled personnel trained in advanced O&M techniques.
• Good service provider for different services for O&M plants.
• Management of out of warranty equipment’s for old projects.
• Data security: Integrating new technologies raises concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity.
• Grid Stability.
• Forecasting and Scheduling, diverse climate conditions.

2: What strategies does ACME Cleantech employ to ensure optimal performance and maintenance of solar assets in the Indian context?

Answer:

Proactive Maintenance:

• Scheduled inspections and cleaning: Regular inspections and cleaning of solar panels are crucial to maintain their efficiency. 
• Predictive maintenance: ACME utilizes data analytics and machine learning to predict potential issues before they occur. This allows for targeted maintenance interventions, minimizing downtime and maximizing energy generation.
• Condition monitoring: Sensors and monitoring systems are deployed to track key performance indicators (KPIs) like module temperature, string voltage, and inverter performance. Real-time data allows for early detection of anomalies and prompt corrective action.

Skilled Workforce:

• In-house training: ACME invests in training its O&M personnel on the latest technologies and best practices. This ensures a skilled workforce capable of handling complex maintenance tasks.
• Partnerships: ACME collaborates with leading technology providers and research institutions to stay ahead of the curve in O&M advancements.

Technology Adoption:

• Data-driven insights: ACME utilizes data analytics platforms to gain insights into plant performance, identify optimization opportunities, and make data-driven decisions for maintenance activities.
• Remote monitoring: Remote monitoring systems enable real-time tracking of plant performance from anywhere, allowing for quick response to issues and improved operational efficiency.
• Digital twins: ACME is exploring the use of digital twins, virtual replicas of their solar plants, to simulate various scenarios and optimize maintenance strategies.

Specialised Inhouse team:

• We have inhouse specialized team for preventive maintenance, equipment testing etc.
• Research and development: The company invests in research and development of new O&M technologies and solutions tailored to the Indian context.

3: How does ACME leverage technology and innovation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in solar O&M operations in India?

Answer:

ACME Cleantech is at the forefront of leveraging technology and innovation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in solar O&M operations in India. Here are some keyways they achieve this:

Data-driven approach:

• Data acquisition: Deployment of sensors and monitoring systems across solar plants to collect real-time data on various parameters like module temperature, string voltage, inverter performance, and weather conditions.
• Data analytics platforms: This data is fed into advanced analytics platforms that use machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify patterns, predict potential issues, and optimize maintenance schedules.
• Predictive maintenance: By analysing historical data and trends, ACME anticipate equipment failures before they occur, allowing them to schedule targeted maintenance interventions and minimize downtime.
• Performance optimization: Data insights help to identify areas for improvement, such as optimizing panel tilt angles, inverter settings, and cleaning schedules, to maximize energy generation.

Digitalization and automation:

• Remote monitoring: We utilize remote monitoring systems that enable to track plant performance from anywhere in real-time, facilitating prompt responses to issues and improving operational efficiency.
• Digital twins: ACME is exploring the use of digital twins, virtual replicas of solar plants, to simulate various scenarios and optimize maintenance strategies. This helps to test different approaches without impacting the actual plant and identify the most effective solutions.
• Robotic cleaning: we have deployed robotic cleaning solutions for large-scale solar projects. These robots automate the cleaning process, improving efficiency, safety, and panel performance.

Focus on innovation:

• Openness to new ideas: ACME fosters a culture of innovation within the company, encouraging employees to experiment with new technologies and approaches
• Continuous improvement: We have a continuous improvement mindset, constantly evaluating the O&M processes and looking for ways to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and cost savings.

4: What are the key considerations and best practices in managing and mitigating risks associated with solar O&M activities, especially amidst India’s diverse climatic conditions?

Answer:

Managing and mitigating risks associated with solar O&M activities in India’s diverse climatic conditions requires a multi-pronged approach.

Risk identification and assessment:

• Understand diverse climates: Recognize the specific risks associated with each region (dust, extreme heat, high humidity, monsoon rains, etc.).
• Equipment selection: Choose components rated for the expected environmental conditions to ensure durability and performance.
• Regular inspections: Conduct scheduled inspections to identify potential issues like corrosion, loose connections, and animal damage early on.
• Data analysis: Leverage historical data and weather forecasts to anticipate potential risks and take preventive measures.

Mitigation strategies:

• Preventive maintenance: Implement a robust preventive maintenance plan tailored to the climate and environment. This includes frequent cleaning in dusty regions or specialized coatings for corrosion protection.
• Monitoring and communication: Real-time monitoring systems to track key parameters and enable prompt response to anomalies. Implement effective communication protocols to ensure timely information sharing among stakeholders.
• Training and safety: Train personnel on safe working practices specific to the climatic conditions and provide them with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Insurance and risk management plans: Secure adequate insurance coverage against potential natural disasters or equipment failures. Develop comprehensive risk management plans to address various scenarios and minimize losses.

5: As the AVP and Head of O&M, what do you foresee as the future trends and developments in solar O&M practices in India, and how is ACME preparing to stay ahead in this dynamic market?

Answer:

As a Head of O&M, here’s my perspective on the future of solar O&M in India and how ACME can stay ahead of the curve:

Future trends and developments:

• Data-driven O&M: Expect even greater integration of AI, machine learning, and big data analytics for predictive maintenance, performance optimization, and risk mitigation.
• Remote monitoring and automation: Continued advancements in sensor technology, robotics, and drones will enable more sophisticated remote monitoring and automated tasks, improving efficiency and safety.
• Blockchain for transparency and traceability: Blockchain technology holds potential for secure data management, transparent reporting, and improved asset tracking within the O&M value chain.
• Shift towards asset performance management: Focus will move beyond preventive maintenance to optimizing asset performance throughout its lifecycle, maximizing energy generation and return on investment.
• Focus on sustainability: Integrating sustainability practices like water-efficient cleaning, waste management, and circular economy principles will be crucial for responsible O&M operations.

How ACME can stay ahead:

• Continued investment in technology: Allocate resources for ongoing research, development, and adoption of cutting-edge O&M technologies like those mentioned above.
• Upskilling the workforce: Train and equip our O&M personnel with the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain advanced technologies effectively.
• Data governance and security: Implement robust data governance frameworks and cybersecurity measures to ensure data privacy and integrity in the increasingly data-driven O&M landscape.
• Standardization and best practices: Advocate for and actively participate in developing standardized O&M practices for the Indian solar industry, contributing to the overall growth and quality of the market.

6: In the context of solar project AUM, how does ACME integrate data analytics and predictive maintenance techniques to proactively identify potential issues and ensure the long-term sustainability of solar assets in the Indian market?

Answer:

ACME Cleantech takes a multi-pronged approach to integrate data analytics and predictive maintenance techniques for its growing solar project AUM, ensuring proactive issue identification and long-term asset sustainability in the Indian market:

Data Acquisition and Management:

• We have inhouse developed Central Monitoring System, where all our operational sites are connected at central level.
• Data collection and storage: This data is transmitted to a central repository (cloud) for safe storage and easy access.
• Data governance and security: Robust data governance frameworks and cybersecurity measures ensure data privacy and integrity.

Data Analytics and Insights:

• Advanced analytics platforms: Machine learning and AI-powered platforms (CMS) analyses the collected data to identify patterns, predict potential issues, and optimize maintenance schedules.
• Performance benchmarking: Historical data and industry benchmarks help evaluate plant performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Root cause analysis: Analytics pinpoint the root causes of past issues, preventing their recurrence and optimizing future maintenance strategies.

Predictive Maintenance and Proactive Actions:

• Risk assessment and prioritization: The platform prioritizes potential issues based on their severity, likelihood, and impact on energy generation.
• Proactive repair and replacement: Anticipating component failures allows for pre-emptive repairs or replacements, preventing major breakdowns and ensuring consistent performance.