2024 Solar Risk Assessment report: Data-driven insights address emerging risks

This sixth annual Solar Risk Assessment (SRA) report is now available, offering deep insights into extreme weather and operational risk, and for the first time, battery energy storage system (BESS) risk. The report is published by kWh Analytics and features articles from more than a dozen industry leaders. This year’s report includes strategies for addressing emerging risks such as hail, as well as BESS-specific risks related to fire safety, thermal management and system integration.

From an operational standpoint, the SRA addresses a variety of topics, from equipment-related downtime to voltage collapse. A key finding by kWh Analytics is that overly optimistic P50s remain the largest driver of under-performance. According to kWh Analytics, extreme downside scenarios can be reduced by as much as a factor of 10 with realistic, data-driven availability estimates.

Clean Power Research is pleased to contribute once again to the SRA (see page 16 of the report). This year we focused on soiling, with research indicating that unmitigated soiling can lead to energy production losses of up to 50% in specific regions. The article compares the results of two prevailing soiling loss models to understand how their results vary. By employing various soiling loss models with accurate model inputs and reliable irradiance data, it’s possible to establish effective strategies to minimize performance uncertainty.

The sixth annual Solar Risk Assessment highlights the remarkable progress and resilience of the solar industry in the face of rapidly evolving risk management challenges. As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that our industry’s ability to collaborate and innovate remains one of our greatest strengths.

– Jason Kaminsky, CEO, kWh Analytics

kWh Analytics’ Solar Risk Assessment report

The Solar Risk Assessment report is a platform for thought leaders to share data-driven insights into emerging risks that help the industry progress toward a resilient renewable energy future. This year, contributing companies include: kWh Analytics, Kiwa, Waaree Energies, Alliant Insurance Services, Solarlytics, Univers, SolarGrade, Lloyd’s, Powin, IFP, Nextracker and Longroad Energy.

To read the 2024 Solar Risk Assessment and reports from previous years, visit: www.kwhanalytics.com/solar-risk-assessment

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