In a highly competitive solar sector, process automation and field data traceability become indispensable tools for maintaining project profitability.
Within this context, Above's Day, organized by Energía Estratégica, took place, where Above 's experts presented the comprehensive approach that is transforming solar asset management worldwide. During the event, Alejandro Cebrián García , sales manager for LATAM and Southern Europe, and Adrián Cruz Castro , senior technical account manager for the same regions, explained how the combination of drones, software, and digital platforms allows for precise monitoring from development to O&M. "Above is involved in the entire lifecycle of a solar asset."
"We carry out inspections, data analysis, and digitization," Cebrián García explained. Relive the Above's Day broadcast ⤵️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCB3aHD_oGM One of the key differentiators is the monitoring of construction projects using drone flights compared against layout designs.
The company has developed algorithms that detect deviations with an accuracy of up to 3 centimeters, making it possible to avoid structural errors before they generate cost overruns.
We automatically detect deviations in real time.
“For example, if a trench deviates 2.5 meters from the design, the system flags it immediately,” the executive explained. The case of a fence displaced 5.3 meters from the original design served as an example of the consequences that a lack of digital supervision can have.
"This helped avoid conflicts between the EPC, technical advisor, and owner, thanks to the flight history generated by Above," he added. The company also offers digital surveying services, generating 3D surface and terrain models through flights over the plant.
Based on this data, the orientation of the panels is optimized thanks to the conversion between True Solar North and Grid North , which allows maximizing energy efficiency.
“ We recreate trees, wind turbines, and towers in 3D for direct import into the design software,” Cebrián García explained. “Additionally, we incorporate 360° panoramic images , useful for observing roads, vegetation, and power lines before construction.”
"It's very useful for initial site visits or for the EPC contractor," the spokesperson emphasized. This entire ecosystem is managed through the SolarGain platform, a digital environment that centralizes georeferenced information for each component of the project: modules, inverters, transformers, wiring, fencing, and more.
The application allows you to scan serial numbers, record non-conformities in the field, and eliminate the use of paper.
“ We want to ensure that operations can do more with less ,” Cruz Castro stated. They explained that the frequency of drone flights is tailored to each client's objective: from monthly flights for visual monitoring to weekly missions focused on quality control and installation.
We adapt to the schedule and the needs of the terrain .
"If there's vegetation, we use LiDAR; if not, we use photogrammetry," Cebrián García explained. One of the highlights of the webinar was the automation of progress monitoring, with precise percentages per milestone, from modules to trenches.
This system improves payment milestone negotiations with contractors and reduces the margin of error by 10% to 15% compared to traditional reports .
“ Each flight generates data that is converted into graphs and reports ready for decision-making ,” the executive stated. “The hard data supports the impact of this technology. ” Above has inspected more than 50 GW using IEC mode , with a presence in 54 countries and operations on six continents , covering more than 80,000 mapped hectares .
"We have a global presence in our clients' projects," Cebrián García pointed out. The platform also allows for efficient management of tasks and warranties , accelerating processes that often create bottlenecks with manufacturers.
Thanks to digital traceability and automatic report generation, teams can focus on operational quality instead of repetitive tasks.
Instead of preparing manual reports, the system generates them with a single click , Cruz Castro emphasized. Finally, the executives shared their vision for the future: integration with SCADA and GMA systems, direct connection to aerial or ground robots, and automated preventive maintenance with component-specific metadata.
“ We want our technicians to focus on quality management, not operational tasks ,” Cruz Castro concluded. Above is thus positioning itself as a global leader in the digitalization of the solar sector , with scalable and customizable solutions that address current challenges of efficiency, precision, and traceability in the field.
In times where every megawatt counts, technology can be the difference between success and cost overruns.
By Energía Estratégica
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