pwr_april-2024 - 35

TECHNOLOGY
diometric images of solar panels. When
combined with information from a solar
utility's existing voltage and amperage
sensors, the data collected is aggregated
and processed through the cloud.
Then, using computer vision learning
models that are able to learn and
recognize anomalies, the system efficiently
detects
equipment,
system,
environmental, and other issues. These
range from shorted circuits to soiled
panels to vegetation overgrowth and
more (Figure 2). Finally, the system generates
detailed reports and notifies a
technician-who then uses customized
maintenance tools and dashboards to
determine exactly where the problem
lies, and how and when to prioritize it.
The result is significant gains in efficiency
and cost savings. " By identifying
anomalies and issues in real-time,
SolarScan allows for proactive maintenance
that is targeted to areas of high
risk, " said Alex Iceman, founder and CEO
of Genium. " This approach helps prevent
potential downtime, reduces the amount
of inspection resources necessary, lowers
repair costs, and extends the lifetime
of solar panel assets. "
Looking Ahead: Barriers and
Solutions to Widespread Industry
Adoption
There are clearly many concrete benefits
for using computer vision applications
to assess and mitigate risks in
utility infrastructure. However, some
areas of the industry are moving slower
than others to adopt these solutions, for
a variety of reasons.
First, these approaches are not yet
mandated by government regulators
or insurance companies. Thus, utility
companies must pursue them of their
own accord. While major well-established
utility companies may not be
ready to scale a computer vision-based
inspection solution across their entire
system, smaller pilot programs help to
demonstrate their effectiveness in the
shorter term.
Further, there are preconceived notions
of the costs, risks, and benefits
to such approaches, but these barriers
may no longer apply. It is important to
note that technology is advancing rapidly,
which means the landscape has
changed significantly in a short amount
of time. For example, compared to just
a few years ago, the costs of drones
have plummeted while their capabilities
(including range, speed, communications,
and more) have swiftly
improved. Similarly, with the use of
cost-efficient cloud-based solutions,
the analytical capabilities of AI and
computer vision technology are increasing
exponentially. This, in turn,
can save millions of dollars in human
inspection costs.
Genium's Iceman put it this way: " Today,
we are standing on a precipice of
unprecedented technological innovation.
AI and computer vision tech is poised to
take us in directions we can barely imagine.
The utility industry is in the early
stages of using AI and computer vision
solutions and already finding it's helping
to mitigate some big risks. " ■
-Gordon Feller (@GordonFeller on X) is
a leading advisor on energy futures and
provides insights to top executives at
many of the world's leading organizations.
From his Silicon Valley base, he's worked
during 40 years with large companies,
associations, universities, governments,
and international organizations, and he's
published more than 400 articles.
April 2024 | POWER
www.powermag.com
35
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