Finley Solar Farm
Energy transition
Energy transition
Surveying and data analysis services for QLD solar farm
RPS has supported a North Queensland solar farm operator to establish a unique, repeatable method for monitoring installed panel infrastructure and ensuring optimum generation performance.
Optimum renewable energy production
With the correct positioning of support piles and photovoltaic panels critical to solar energy performance, RPS’ surveying specialists were engaged to survey a North Queensland solar farm and evaluate initial discrepancies between ‘as built’ infrastructure and original design specifications. This methodology could then be replicated over specific periods to track any future movement.
The data could also be used to inform decision-making processes as the renewable operator moves to expand the farm’s capacity from 100MW to 400MW.
Surveying expertise
Establishing a site-specific survey control network, our team completed an initial survey of approximately 61,000 piles, comparing the data to the client’s original design files. This process was then replicated in order to accurately monitor any vertical displacement over multiple survey periods.
Following the pile survey, our certified remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) pilots completed aerial thermal surveys. These surveys generated detailed imagery, which was then used to assess the performance of the photovoltaic panels across the entire site and identify any potential issues.
Data analysis and presentation
To provide the client with a highly visual representation of the project, RPS’ data analytics and insights consultants designed an interactive geo-spatial dashboard to present the survey findings in an easy and accessible format.
The custom-made dashboard provided a visual tool to show pile movements at the site, which informed a range of decisions:
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The intel helped prioritise maintenance work, to ensure the farm runs efficiently.
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The dashboard allowed the client to clearly communicate the scale of pile movements to its board to justify budgets and inform planning decisions.
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The information helped determine the most appropriate structure installation for the farm’s expansion.
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The analytics provided vital information on the solar farm’s energy output, providing an opportunity to maximise productivity and commercial returns.
A detailed report was also provided to the client, which included panel maintenance recommendations and accurate baseline data for future management.
