This article was originally published by Cleantech Group
Solar energy infrastructure is scaling rapidly across Asia to meet net-zero targets, but this growth has exposed a critical challenge: maintaining long-term performance against system losses. Solar assets are designed to operate efficiently for 25 years, yet undetected degradation remains a persistent issue. In 2023 alone, equipment faults and asset health issues caused over $4.6B in lost revenue globally, with sites averaging 4.47% power loss.
What we’re seeing on the ground is a shift toward electroluminescence (EL)-based imaging technology combined with AI-driven analytics. A cleantech company from our region that deserves international attention is Quantified Energy (QE), which applies drone-based EL imaging to conduct field-based inspections, scaling first of its kind technology that was previously conducted manually and confined to small-scale pilots. This technology enables early detection of microcracks, cell defects, and module failures before they cascade into revenue loss.
This approach addresses more than just operational efficiency. By recovering lost solar generation and increasing clean energy yield, QE’s diagnostic solutions enable measurable CO₂ emissions avoidance, directly supporting climate targets while strengthening resilience against disruptions. As the world relies increasingly on renewable infrastructure for decarbonization, scalable solutions that enhance solar reliability and drive measurable climate impact will be more essential than ever.