Automation Will Drive the Optimization of Solar Projects

Q: How did you conceptualize Smart Sun and its mission of optimizing energy systems and automating reports in the renewable energy sector?

A: Smart Sun was founded in 2022 and capitalizes on my experience in the integration and development of photovoltaic projects for distributed generation. The field of solar projects for distributed generation can greatly benefit from the transition from manual to automated processes. Smart Sun’s goal was to develop technology or a platform for data analysis on behalf of companies to make their daily operations easier.

We wanted our software to understand how a solar plant worked and only alert a human team when necessary, such as for maintenance or customer support. Simultaneously, we wanted to generate user-friendly, understandable reports for photovoltaic businesses. These reports would contain essential information about the status of their plant and suggest measures to optimize performance.

Q: What benefits does automatization bring to businesses that use solar energy?

A: Companies that use renewable energy under the distributed generation scheme should not have to constantly monitor their systems to ensure they function correctly. Distributed generation users can lose money from their photovoltaic systems if they are not working correctly. Information technology is crucial for the optimization and continuous monitoring of distributed generation plants, preventing economic losses and ensuring optimal operations.

Q: How do Smart Sun’s solutions effectively guarantee ROI through system optimization?  

A: Using advanced or smart monitoring systems is highly profitable thanks to automation. The investment in this type of system can have a quick return that depends on the industry and the size of the system. Many companies in Mexico, especially larger businesses, implement advanced monitoring systems for their customers as part of their solar plant operation and maintenance services. These services provide continuous monitoring to ensure that the plant is functioning correctly. However, conducting manual analysis on a large scale entails high costs in terms of human resources, which could be more effectively allocated to activities that add greater value.

Q: How can artificial intelligence benefit photovoltaic generation plants?

A: The first step is data science. The second is machine learning, which allows algorithms to learn the specific behavior of solar plants over time, gradually improving its understanding and discerning which alerts require human attention and which do not. Finally, artificial intelligence can simplify the communication between technology and the user, transforming processed data into clear and simple messages that the plant owner can easily understand. For example, it can send a congratulatory message if the plant is operating optimally or schedule maintenance if it is not.

There may be an initial reluctance in entrusting all data and care of solar plants to an algorithm. However, users will come to realize that the platform simply reviews data values, performs analysis and generates conclusions that the user can then assess.

Q: How advanced is the adoption of digitization in Mexico?

A: I created this project because I could not find any other company doing something similar. Only recently, we found a direct competitor offering the same solution as us, confirming there is a large and growing market for this technology. The digitization of solar plants is important and necessary as manufacturing demands more traceability. Digitization and a deeper understanding of energy flows are trends that are beginning to emerge in the industry.

Q: What trends does Smart Sun forecast in the renewable energy sector and how is the company positioning itself to capitalize on these?

A: Nearshoring will give rise to policies that require manufacturing companies to use a percentage of renewable energy. We are also keeping an eye on discussions within the UN climate framework to see what agreements and guidelines are established.

Globally, trends point to the adoption of renewable energies and electrification. This is a clear sign that electrification and clean and renewable energy sources are gaining momentum globally.

Smart Sun is a cutting-edge platform dedicated to optimizing the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems, while automating essential reporting processes in the renewable energy sector.