At PVPMC 2025 Cyprus event, we were invited to join a panel of outstanding peers from across Europe to discuss how data and analytics are transforming solar operations. What struck me most was the shared understanding that we’ve moved beyond dashboards. Dashboards show what happens. But today’s challenge is understanding why it happens and knowing what to do next.
On the panel, I shared how we see this shift every day at Contel Smart Energy:
- Advanced analytics can predict a drop in production, and also pinpoint the root cause, so the right team can be sent to fix the issue
- Integrated data gives context, not just isolated KPIs
- The evolution of the human role with operators shifting from passive monitoring on static screens to proactive decision makers
- AI transforms reactive O&M into predictive and prescriptive operations, reducing downtime and increasing yield.
That’s the real promise of data-driven PV: turning visibility into foresight and foresight into better decisions.
Grateful to PHAETHON Centre of Excellence and Sandia National Laboratories for hosting a truly inspiring event.