Title:	How Digitalization can be a Driver for Supporting More and More the Solar Deployment?
Author(s):	E. Saretta, P. Bonomo, F. Frontini, V.K. Nguyen, W. Maeder
Keywords:	Simulation, Cost Assessment, Digital Twin, PV Plant Design, PIM
Topic:	PV Systems – Modelling, Design, Operation and Performance
Subtopic:	Design and Installation of PV Systems
Event:	38th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Session:	5CO.12.6
Pages:	1002 - 1004
ISBN:	3-936338-78-7
Paper DOI:	10.4229/EUPVSEC20212021-5CO.12.6
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper

Abstract/Summary:

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Digitalization is a non-reversible process that is affecting all sectors because it allows enhancing efficiency, increasing performances and optimizing costs. Considering the need of reducing the reliance on fossil fuels through renewables, the digital transition in the photovoltaic (PV) sector can be a key to increase efficiency, productivity and competitiveness of the European PV sector. Indeed, the current value chain of the European PV sector is often characterized by analogue and fragmented processes that should be overcame to support greater solar deployment and PV market growth in Europe. The adoption of a more open and collaborative digital-based approach characterized by data-sharing among different stakeholders and more integrated information thread from the design till O&M can provide direct benefits in the optimization of the PV process, increased performances, and reduction of costs. To support such digitalization, a novel PV Information Management (PIM) approach has been envisioned based on the BIM process typical for the AEC sector. This novel BIM-based approach tailored for supporting PV cost-reduction has been implemented within the European H2020 project, SUPERPV(www.superpv.eu). In accordance with the PIM objectives, new digital features have been developed to address a more collaborative approach in the PV sector: i) advanced functionalities introduced in the existing BIMSolar® software for improving the simultaneous design, performance simulation and cost assessment of medium and large PV systems, ii) a proof-of-concept for aggregating all relevant information into a Digital Twin platform for post-construction management and lifecycle assessment of the whole PV system toward circular economy whereas sustaining reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.