SUPERNOVA project launches in Italy

On 11-12 April, we launched our SUPERNOVA project at the NOI Techpark, at Bolzano, Italy.

This  42-month, almost €5 million Horizon Europe funded project, will focus on operation and maintenance (O&M) and grid-friendly tools and solutions for reliable, bankable, and circular solar PV plants. 

During the kick-off meeting on day 1, partners discussed the 14 results that will be developed during the project’s lifetime, including: automatic sensing solutions for field robotics, smart control for trackers, and O&M and grid- friendly design of solar PV plants. Day 2 of the kick-off meeting focused on how the results would be achieved via the project’s different work packages.

The project will have 7 objectives, which will include:

1. Improving the design of solar plants with data for increased performance, reliability, security, and flexibility.
2. Developing tools and components for different sensor technologies.
3. Using robotic solutions to reduce costs, increase data collection, and automate the process.
4. Using data fusion to generate insights and improve reliability via solar PV asset management software.
5. Developing methodology to classify solar components based on big data and AI.
6. Increasing the profitability of solar PV systems via operation & maintenance (O&M), and grid-friendly strategies.
7. Creating confidence and business value in sharing solar PV data.

Supernova will aim to increase the O&M grid-friendly design of solar PV plants thanks to advanced software solutions that are evolving the planning, design, and operation of PV systems. 

The project will also take a multi-layered approach, integrating individual solutions into interoperable digital platforms and utilise the power of AI tools to efficiently manage and control huge amounts of data, preventing a potential ‘data tsunami’ for stakeholders. 

In addition, Supernova will focus on data sharing as a means of creating mutual benefit for providers and users. By automating data collection processes, the project will increase operational efficiency, and free up human resources for value-adding tasks such as data analysis.

In addition to optimisation, SUPERNOVA will prioritise promoting the principles of the circular economy by encouraging the reuse and optimal sourcing of solar PV components. Ultimately, the project wants to increase profitability, while contributing to a more sustainable future.

SolarPower Europe is leading on communications for SUPERNOVA; Eurac Research is the project co-ordinator. Other project partners include: CEA, TECNALIA Research & Innovation, Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH (PCCL), Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Reiwa Engine, SoliTek, Sicame Group, Valmont Solar, 3E, SAIDEA, Statkraft, SOLARPACK, BayWa r.e., CSEM, Above, PVcase, Case Western Reserve University, and University of New South Wales (UNSW).