Radically Rethinking Solar O&M – Robots, Drones and Automation
For solar power to achieve its full grid penetration promise, the cost to operate and maintain the equipment must match the rapid capital cost decrease experienced in the industry over the last several years. Since labor is the most significant component in the solar cost structure, this is the area where emerging technologies can make the largest impact.
Most of the preventive maintenance (PM) labor tasks for solar are routine and repetitive activities that robots and drones can be trained to perform. When the digital output of the robot and drone’s work is coupled with a comprehensive asset management software platform, huge O&M efficiencies can be achieved.
This presentation will highlight the latest robotic, drone and virtual reality technologies available in the market and how to integrate those technologies with field service work management software platforms. Specific use cases will be shared that demonstrate the cost saving potential through the digitalization of solar O&M.
Owner, operators and technical asset managers will benefit from the presentation.
If you still need to register, click here.
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Steve Hanawalt
Executive Vice President and Co-Founder, Power Factors LLC
Mr. Hanawalt has worked in the IPP industry since its birth. Steve joined Calpine in 1999 to develop its Plant Optimization business unit where he was responsible for optimizing the thermal performance of 25 GW of combined cycle power plants. In 2007 Steve joined SunPower Corporation as Global Vice President of O&M and was responsible for managing the world’s largest PV power fleet. Steve and two other industry veterans started Power Factors LLC in 2012. Power Factors provides an asset performance management software service to over 25 GW of clean energy assets around the world. Steve received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley.
Stephanie Hanawalt (Moderator)
Marketing Manager, Power Factors
As marketing manager at Power Factors, Stephanie Hanawalt oversees all aspects of marketing, from content creation and brand identity to event planning and product marketing. With a background in San Francisco Bay Area startups and non-profits, Stephanie has wide-ranging experience in marketing, customer success, writing and design. She believes in protecting our planet, the endless possibility of storytelling and the necessity of thoughtful design. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and has completed the Professional Program in Graphic Design through UC Berkeley Extension.