The funding, part of the Materials, Operation, and Recycling of Photovoltaics (MORE PV) program, is aimed at improving solar photovoltaic (PV) resilience against natural disasters by incorporating resilience measures earlier in the asset development process.
The project seeks to address the increasing risks to solar assets posed by extreme weather events, including hail, hurricanes, and floods. These events have highlighted the need for enhanced resilience in solar infrastructure, which is vital for maintaining progress toward clean energy targets.
The initiative will focus on providing solar developers with tools to design, build, and manage more resilient facilities. Current industry practices often leave developers without sufficient data to address specific climate-related risks, which can delay decision-making and increase vulnerability to catastrophic events.
The project, funded by SETO, will include several key elements:
Data Aggregation: Collecting real-world data on physical losses in renewable energy projects to help inform future development and risk mitigation strategies.
Development of Best Practices: Creating standardised guidelines for building and maintaining resilient solar PV systems, ensuring consistent approaches to asset management across the industry.
The project is supported by several partners, including the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), which has expertise in resilience best practices; DNV, an independent engineering firm; and STANCE Renewable Risk Partners, a consultancy that specialises in risk assessment for renewable energy projects.
Resilience in solar energy refers to an asset’s ability to withstand and recover from natural disruptions such as extreme weather events. Including measures like improved mounting systems, hail-resistant panels, and advanced monitoring technologies. The goal of the initiative is to incorporate these resilience measures into the design and operation of solar facilities to ensure their long-term viability.
kWh Analytics has been actively involved in providing data-driven insights into solar project risks, including its annual Solar Risk Assessment, which is widely used by industry stakeholders to guide decision-making in the solar insurance and investment sectors. The current partnership with the Department of Energy is part of a larger effort to ensure that renewable energy infrastructure can withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate.
The MORE PV funding program addresses issues related to the rapid expansion of PV systems in the United States, including challenges in material usage, system operation, and end-of-life recycling. By supporting projects like this, the Department of Energy aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the solar energy sector.
The partnership represents a step toward building a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure, which will be critical as the global transition to renewable energy accelerates.
Jason Kaminsky, CEO of kWh Analytics, emphasised the significance of the partnership: “This collaboration with the Department of Energy reflects the need for stronger data and guidelines to enhance the resilience of solar projects.”
He added “By focusing on these risks early in the asset lifecycle, we can better protect solar investments from the increasing frequency of natural disasters.”
