The Future of Renewable Power Production
Innovations in the energy production field are making renewable power sources more stable and affordable. The technology needed to maintain these systems is advancing at pace.
Traditional energy sources such as coal, gas, and oil have been the backbone of global energy production for decades, particularly in the United States. However, they come with significant environmental drawbacks, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and resource depletion.
To counter this, solar and wind power have become two of the most promising renewable energy sources, with steady advancements in both efficiency and reliability. For example, Forbes magazine reports the absolute efficiency of crystal silicon solar panels has improved at a consistent rate of about 0.5% per year since 2010; meanwhile, advancements in battery storage systems render concerns about wind turbines, which can still operate even in light wind conditions.
Solar Power
Solar power harnesses energy from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) panels. PV panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. Many consider solar power attractive due to its scalability, from small rooftop installations to large solar farms; in recent years, it has become increasingly affordable and efficient, contributing significantly to global electricity generation.
Routine solar panel inspections are an essential part of operational efficiency, as they can prevent larger breakdowns and ensure equipment is operating within contracted performance and yield guarantees. Incorporating thermal inspections into routine maintenance plan can reduce inspection times, while digital multimeters or clamp meters designed for photovoltaic inspection can help repair crews diagnose electrical failures and determine the proper course of action.
Wind Power
Wind power generates electricity by using wind turbines to convert kinetic energy from the wind into electrical energy. Wind farms can be located onshore or offshore, with offshore sites typically benefiting from stronger and more consistent winds.
This is one of the fastest-growing energy sources and is known for its low environmental impact and ability to produce substantial amounts of electricity. However, wind turbines pose a great challenge for maintenance work: inspections are often expensive and time-consuming, with mechanical and electrical systems situated high up and difficult to access.
Wind turbine components are also susceptible to environmental challenges such as heat and changing weather conditions. Preventive maintenance and periodic inspections with thermal imaging cameras and videoscopes, acoustic imaging cameras, and Test & Measurement tools such as vibration meters, can ensure proper function and reduce unplanned downtime.
Learn about maintenance solutions for the wind turbines and other power generation systems from the FLIR Renewable Energy brochure.
Battery Energy Storage Systems
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are crucial for enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electrical grids, especially when integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Battery storage is becoming more affordable and efficient, making it a vital component of modern energy systems.
BESS site operators are particularly concerned with thermal runaway, which can occur when temperatures in a battery cell suddenly spike and spread to other cells, potentially leading to fires and the release of harmful gases. Given how tightly packed these units are, just one overheating due to a fault, damage, or impact can create a devastating cascade within the unit wiping out all assets in a fire that can last for days.
Read our article on the safety challenges faced by BESS site operators and the technology that is helping them avoid fires that can release toxic gases.
2024 Figures
tenThe United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently stated that renewable energy accounted for more than 90% of total US electrical generating capacity added in 2024 (over 34 Gigawatt). The US brought online 48.2 gigawatts of capacity from utility-scale solar, wind and battery storage in 2024—supporting these industries to prevent unplanned outages. All told, solar and wind power now account for almost 22% of the total power generation, with solar being 10 times greater than a decade ago.
The figures are even larger, globally: solar and wind making up 29% of energy production in the European Union1 and 37% of energy production in China2.
Summary
Adoption of renewable energy will continue to increase and with it the need to perform regular predictive maintenance inspections to ensure equipment works efficiently and to avoid any unplanned disruptions. The most efficient way to accomplish this is by using thermal and acoustic cameras as well as electrical meters.
