The key to this is to reduce the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) in the solar industry through the adoption of technology. Solar PV systems require significant construction and maintenance oversight to perform optimally, including regular technical inspections and security provision. Whilst capital expenditure per MW has reduced significantly, operational expenditure remains high.
Above’s mission is to accelerate the renewable energy transition through innovation. Key to this is to reduce the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) in the solar industry through the adoption of technology. Solar PV systems require significant construction and maintenance oversight to perform optimally, including regular technical inspections and security provision. Whilst capital expenditure per MW has reduced significantly, operational expenditure remains high.
Herotech8’s Drone-in-a-box technology offers many opportunities to streamline and augment existing construction and operational practices, improving LCOE for asset owners. Missions may be in response to on-site security sensors or monitoring system alarms. Alternatively, Construction Managers or Maintenance Managers will commission drone data collection remotely for ad hoc condition monitoring or data collection.
Above is the solar industry’s leading drone inspection and data analysis company, with solutions spanning the entire solar plant lifecycle.
Will Hitchcock, CEO and founder of Above, said: “We are convinced that this will be a key component on utility-scale solar sites in the coming years, as ubiquitous as the SCADA system. We already gather plant data using piloted drones allowing us to leverage our existing software platform to incorporate autonomous drone mission data. We will pool our expertise to build compelling solutions in collaboration with our customers.”
Herotech8, a UK-based manufacturer of connected and automated drone-in-a-box technology already used for security and industrial monitoring activities.
Edward , CEO of Herotech8, said: “These transformative, collaborative efforts between Above and Herotech8 will be the foundation for realising the power of remote drone solutions for solar. We look forward to continuing to engage with the solar industry through this partnership and to contributing to the development of new smart solutions.”
