AI, machine learning and robots could overhaul solar supply chains, DNV GL says

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
AI and machine learning could make drastic efficiency improvements to various facets of the solar supply chain, including autonomous drone-led O&M. Image: Above Surveying.

Solar PV and other renewables will increasingly benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) and could completely overhaul the design, development and deployment of the technologies, a new report has claimed.

The ‘Making Renewables Smarter: The benefits, risks, and future of artificial intelligence in solar and wind’ report, published by testing and technical advisory firm DNV GL this morning, explores the applications of AI and machine learning in the renewables space.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

It concludes that as the industries are data-rich environments, they stand to benefit hugely from technological advances AI stands to offer, particularly in the fields of resource forecasting, control and predictive maintenance.

There is particular potential in the field of O&M. Advanced, autonomous robotics could conduct remote inspection and maintenance of solar farms communicating with on-the-ground units equipped to reveal specific faults.

AI could also be engaged to conduct accelerated due diligence procedures, significantly reducing the time it takes to consider and analyse planning and investment decisions.

DNV GL also paints the picture of a future when the entire supply chain could be automised, allowing modules to be shipped to locations and assembled by an army of robots with different tasks.

The application of fields like AI and machine learning would, DNV GL has claimed, drive costs out of the entire development, production and delivery of solar and onshore wind farms.

Lucy Craig, director for technology and innovation at DNV GL – Energy, said that the potential for these applications could create new operating efficiencies and new, disruptive business models.

Elizabeth Traiger, co-author of the report, added: “Solar and wind developers, operators, and investors need to consider how their industries can use it, what the impacts are on the industries in a larger sense, and what decisions those industries need to confront.”

Read Next

July 11, 2025
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has revealed that several utility-scale solar PV power plants experienced curtailment of above 25% in the National Electricity Market (NEM) in 2024.
July 10, 2025
German renewables company BayWa r.e. has secured a €3 billion (US$3.5 billion) loan for 'operational initiatives and pipeline expansion.'
July 10, 2025
US renewables developer Invenergy has launched commercial operations of 250MW Fairbanks Solar Energy Center in Sullivan County, Indiana. 
July 10, 2025
US solar residential installer Sunnova has entered into a stalking horse asset purchase agreement with Omnidian for some of its assets.
July 10, 2025
Copenhagen Energy has partnered with Thy-Mors Energi to set up a 100MW PV and BESS project in Ballerum, about 370km from Copenhagen. 
July 9, 2025
Many European countries generated record levels of solar power in the first half of 2025, according to figures from Fraunhofer ISE.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK