Zeitview, a leading provider of advanced energy and infrastructure inspections, has recently completed its highly anticipated 2023 North American Solar Scan. This comprehensive assessment utilized crewed aircraft to capture aerial imagery and thermal scans, allowing Zeitview to successfully record asset condition data on a staggering 95 GW of the United States solar energy power plant fleet. With its innovative approach, Zeitview employs a three-letter asset rating system upon scan completion, ranging from AAA to DDD, to provide a precise reflection of each site’s condition in terms of power loss, module condition, and cell temperature.

The results of this nationwide scan shed light on the critical factors influencing the operational condition of solar power plants in the region. Factors such as age, size, positioning, location, and materials all play a substantial role in determining a site’s long-term performance. Noteworthy initial data highlights from the inaugural scan include:

1. Over 51% of the U.S. solar power plant fleet is considered to be in excellent or good operational condition, with a noteworthy asset rating of BBB or higher.

2. The plants that are ten years or older exhibit varying stages of deterioration, but approximately 25% of this older fleet still maintains an excellent or good operational condition. Remarkably, 11% of these plants are AAA-rated, indicating that all three assessment areas are in peak working order, with minimal signs of degradation.

3. Larger solar plants, typically exceeding 100 MW in capacity, tend to demonstrate robust health, with more than 50% classified as being in excellent or good condition.

4. The scan reveals that tracker-mounted solar installations have a better long-term outlook compared to fixed-tilt sites, with approximately 54% in good or better condition when compared to 44% for fixed-tilt sites.

These invaluable findings represent just a fraction of the data significance within the North American Solar Scan program. To ensure the utmost accuracy and depth, Zeitview employs AI-enabled software specifically trained to detect common defects in photovoltaic (PV) equipment. All conclusions derived from the scan data are meticulously overseen by data and solar industry experts who possess a profound understanding of best practices in data handling and PV technology. Incorporating both comprehensive thermal and standard photographic views, Zeitview’s data collection and analysis methods provide owners with actionable insights, facilitating effective decision-making and asset optimization.

Building on the success of the North American Solar Scan, Zeitview’s ambitious plans extend beyond regional boundaries. The company aims to capture over an impressive 200 GW of aerial imagery and data across the global renewable energy sector this year, cementing its position as a key player in advancing cleaner and more efficient energy systems.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this research report is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. The energy market is highly volatile, and readers should conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.