DIGITALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
ICT is a key element in improving the efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic systems.
Digitalization and technological upgrading are fundamental for the development of photovoltaics and the improvement of associated processes.
Claudia Bentivoglio, Head of Information & Communication Technology at EF Solare Italia, told us about the path taken to continuously enhance the digitalization processes. One of the systems developed is the CMMS: Computerized Maintenance Management System, a software platform that supports the Operation & Maintenance process through maintenance planning, lifecycle management of plant components, field operator management, and all maintenance activities, by integrating it with inventory and the supply chain. This project involved significant work from the ICT and Maintenance teams because, unlike other industries characterized by a standard and centralized production process, in photovoltaics, electricity production depends on plant availability, i.e., the ability of the entities to maintain the asset in perfect operational efficiency. Therefore, CMMS is crucial in an asset-intensive company to optimize and standardize O&M processes across hundreds of plants.
Additionally, EF Solare Italia’s project team, recognizing the importance of HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) issues in the company, has implemented several functionalities through the CMMS with a significant impact on workplace safety:
– A system managing check-in and check-out of personnel at plants via QR code has been implemented to control access in real-time and remotely.
– An integration with the system processing the Technical Professional Verification (VTP) has been developed to ensure that maintenance activities are entrusted exclusively to properly certified personnel.
– HSE forms have been digitized and managed directly within the CMMS, simplifying and automating part of the compilation through online graphic signature using a finger on a smartphone or tablet. This way, mandatory documentation based on the type of intervention planned at the plant is always completed and easily traceable over time.
“The importance of cybersecurity,” Claudia Bentivoglio recalls, “is fundamental for those working in our field and even more so for EF Solare Italia, which handles a significant amount of data, having over 300 plants, each with its own network connection and devices that amplify the potential attack perimeter. For this reason, in addition to traditional cybersecurity tools, we are collaborating with a startup that provides training through both a virtual coach in chat mode and attack simulations. At EF Solare Italia, the digital mindset is very fertile; we are confident that the commitment and training of all colleagues will enable us to increase awareness of cybersecurity risks and have greater control over data.”
Regarding the new professional roles currently required in the photovoltaic sector, Claudia Bentivoglio explained that “such profiles are halfway between plant automation experts and IT specialists. The plants are speaking an increasingly IT language, and therefore hybrid roles are needed that combine digital skills with knowledge of field operational components. Naturally, Data Scientist and Artificial Intelligence skills are also valuable, given the significant amount of data produced by the plants and the optimizations achievable in predictive maintenance and production forecasting.”