This article originally appeared in PV Magazine.
The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) has launched an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) taskforce to develop best practice guidelines for the fast-growing sector. EPIA brought together stakeholders, service providers and asset managers, with the group meeting for the first time on April 23.
With its well-established and growing fleet of PV power plants, Europe has the potential to be positioned at the forefront of O&M provision within the solar sector. Recognizing this and the need for best practices to emerge in the O&M sector, EPIA has assembled an experts in the O&M field.
The EPIA O&M task force is led by U.S. manufacturers and project developer First Solar, with input from a range of solar companies from across the supply chain. Involved companies include 3E, 7C Solarparken, Adler Solar, Alectris, DuPont, Enel Green Power, Enphase, Fortum, Lark Energy, meteocontrol, Primrose solar, Solarcentury, tco-solar, Trina Solar and UL.
EMEA O&M director for First Solar, Stefan Degener said that the need for O&M best practices is pressing as O&M provision is vital in managing risks pertaining to power plant output and therefore revenues.
“The members of the Task Force prove with their interest and work that there is a need for these guidelines,” said Degener. “We have been supporting this initiative from the beginning and will contribute to ensure solar PV plants’ reliable performance and long-term profitability.”
EPIA CEO James Watson noted that O&M initiatives are emerging in the U.S. and other markets and that EPIA hopes to lead similar efforts in Europe.
“We are pleased to see that important stakeholders with highly recognized expertise in both European and non-European markets have joined this task force,” said Watson. “We invite all experts to join us and incorporate their experience and be part of the decisions.”
The EPIA O&M task force goal is to see guidelines adopted by “all relevant sector stakeholders,” a statement from EPIA reads.
