HelioVolta is the developer of SolarGrade on-site operating software and a provider of independent technical services for renewable energy assets. The company has released its second annual SolarGrade Photovoltaic Health Report. The report focuses on the survey results of over 100000 photovoltaic system data points collected by on-site engineers using the SolarGrade mobile application during hundreds of project site visits in the United States and Puerto Rico.

The main findings of the 2024 SolarGrade Photovoltaic Health Report include:

72% of inspections identified safety and reliability issues that require urgent remediation.
11% of inspections found serious security issues that required complete or partial power outages, resulting in system downtime and financial losses.
Compared to any other photovoltaic system component, wiring and connector issues are more common, with 83% of the inspected items identifying problems.
Through independent construction QA/QC and comprehensive O&M protocols, the vast majority of issues discovered in the operational system can be avoided.
Ryan Mayfield, founder of Mayfield Renewables and a small and medium-sized enterprise, said, "SolarGrade's report sounds the alarm for the industry, but the data shows that most of the safety issues we encounter can be prevented through the right tools, practices, and a high emphasis on education and training. Investing in comprehensive training programs is crucial for professionals to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to ensure safe and excellent solar installations

Although these statistical data may be concerning, the results of the report indicate that asset owners and managers can easily address the challenges of photovoltaic safety and reliability. A two-part solution is needed: first, installers and on-site technicians must have appropriate tools to identify and monitor security and reliability issues, and then they must objectively assess the risks of each problem. With accurate and timely information from the site, management can implement appropriate remedial plans.

Clear and standardized communication around risks is crucial, "said David Penalva, co-founder and CEO of HelioVolta

This year's report is based on the first report and introduces a detailed matrix used by HelioVolta field engineers to calculate on-site risks. The mobile matrix can also be obtained for free online for on-site use, further enhancing the tools available to solar professionals.