Next-gen robots keep energy flowing from large-scale solar installations

In the harshest conditions of large-scale solar installations, next-generation robotic solutions are transforming operation and maintenance practices.  

Next-generation robotic solutions are transforming O&M practices for large-scale solar installations. Advanced systems reduce water consumption, minimise labour costs and deliver more consistent cleaning results. SOLiON Solar offers annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) or preventive maintenance packages for mid-to-large-scale clients, ensuring long-term system reliability and performance. Sina Rafiee, CEO of SOLiON Solar shares the importance of routine maintenance services for optimal panel efficiency in harsh climates. Let us hear him.

What routine maintenance does SOLiON Solar recommend for harsh climates, and do you offer real-time remote monitoring?

In places with high dust, humidity, or salt exposure, we strongly recommend a more aggressive maintenance approach. We conduct regular inspections, monthly preventive checks, and a tailored cleaning schedule every 10–15 days, depending on the season and site conditions. The goal is to keep soil loss and degradation under control before they start impacting yield.

Moreover, all our commercial and utility-scale solar projects are equipped with full remote monitoring, which provides real-time data, fault detection and performance alerts. These systems help us identify issues down to the string level, ultimately resulting in a quick response and resolution, often before our clients even notice a drop in performance. This proactive approach ensures optimal system efficiency, minimising downtime and maximising energy yield. By anticipating potential issues, we provide dependable performance and peace of mind.

How often do commercial solar installations need professional inspection, and what is SOLiON Solar’s warranty response time?

We advise a quarterly professional inspection, thermal imaging, IV curve testing, and electrical health checks. Cleaning is site-specific; for example, desert sites might need biweekly service during dry months. It’s important to find a balance between maintaining high performance and controlling operational and maintenance (O&M) costs.

Additionally, our operation and maintenance teams work under defined SLAs to ensure fast and reliable support. We respond to support calls or maintenance requests within 24 hours for critical issues that pose a risk of downtime. We aim to be on-site the same day. This commitment helps maintain system uptime and client confidence. Our quick response and proactive service approach are key to delivering dependable operations and maximising energy performance across all our installations.

How are next-generation robotic solutions transforming O&M practices, especially for large-scale solar installations?

We are already collaborating with several robotic panel cleaning providers, and it is becoming a game-changer for larger solar projects. These advanced systems reduce water consumption and minimise labour costs, resulting in delivering more consistent cleaning. Equipped with smart features, it can adjust cleaning frequency based on weather conditions and soiling trends. This ensures optimal panel performance and supports sustainable operations by conserving resources and improving efficiency across our commercial and utility-scale installations.

Do you provide annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) or preventive maintenance packages for large-scale solar installations?

We offer fully customisable annual maintenance contracts for all our mid to large-scale clients, ensuring long-term system reliability and performance. These contracts can include module cleaning, routine inspections, spare parts replacement, inverter servicing and performance monitoring. Clients can tailor the package based on their specific site needs and operational goals. Our comprehensive approach helps prevent unexpected failures, reducing downtime and maximising energy output. This brings peace of mind and consistent performance throughout the system’s lifecycle.