Start-up challenge:
Photovoltaic Plant Inspection

Solutions for Robotic Inspection of Cabling and Connections in Photovoltaic Plants

PERSEO is looking for systems that can detect anomalies and hotspots in electrical circuit cabling and connections beneath photovoltaic panels.

Iberdrola has an installed capacity of more than 5,000 MW of photovoltaic technology in Spain. Its maintenance requires regular inspection with visible spectrum and thermographic cameras of the condition of the wiring and connections of the electrical circuits located on the underside of the panels and the supporting structures, in order to identify potential hotspots.

Although several proof-of-concept trials for autonomous inspection have already been carried out, inspections are currently performed manually by personnel walking across the entire plant with thermographic “guns”. This process can take days or even weeks to complete a full inspection of the plant and requires sufficient qualified staff to carry it out.

Challenge description

Through PERSEO, Iberdrola’s start-up program, we are launching a challenge to identify fully autonomous or remotely operated systems that can help optimize the inspection of our photovoltaic plants.

The main goal—though not the only one—is to detect anomalies and hotspots in the wiring and electrical connections located underneath the photovoltaic panels, which are not fully visible from above using drone flights.

The terrain where these plants are located is often uneven, with brush, rocks, or the panel support structures themselves, making it difficult for wheeled equipment to move around. Additionally, the plants are exposed to harsh weather conditions such as high temperatures, rain, and wind. Any proposed solution must be able to withstand these conditions to improve maintenance inspections while reducing costs, time, and risks for our employees.

Some potential solutions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Fully autonomous vehicles and drones, or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), adapted to challenging terrain (uneven surfaces, tall brush, etc.).
  • Image (visible and thermal) or video capture and condition scanning, followed by data analysis (complete inspection packages including 3D modeling or digital twin solutions).
  • Defect detection modeling based on captured data, with alert generation and inspection reporting.
  • If applicable, automatic battery charging systems with multiple charging bases distributed throughout the plant.
  • Provision of the necessary number and type of devices and charging bases to minimize total inspection time, along with intelligent management of these resources.

Key attributes we are looking for in proposals include:

  • Maturity and reliability of the solution.
  • Autonomous operation capabilities.
  • Optimization of investment and operating costs.
  • Implementation and staffing costs.
  • Ease of deployment, use, and minimal training requirements.
  • Continuity of energy generation.
  • No risk of generating high temperatures or sparks.
  • Compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards.

Start-up challenge:

Photovoltaic plants cabling and connections

  • September
  • October
  • November

September

September 8th

Challenge launch

Start of proposal submission period

  • Weekly review of received applications
  • Initial proposal screening by business team
  • Interaction with external provider to resolve queries

October

October 10th

End of proposal submission period

October

October 11th

Start of analysis and winner selection

  • Analysis of submitted proposals based on form information and evaluation criteria
  • Clarification meetings with start-ups
  • Preparation of a shortlist

November

November

End of proposal analysis

  • Winner selection
  • Announcement of winners on Iberdrola.com and other media platforms

The Prize

The prize will consist of signing a partnership and testing agreement with PERSEO or with any other company within the group, which will cover the costs of the activities and provide the winner with all necessary technical support, as well as a real environment and real data to test the solution out (grid topology, physical location and asset characteristics, etc.). The winner will also gain access to equipment, teams, infrastructures, high-tech facilities and shared working areas. The winning project will be developed with technical specialists from Iberdrola’s Grids area.

Participants will also be directly included in the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub membership process, as partners able to benefit from the services, activities and resources made available within the hub. Should the trial or proof of concept prove successful, Iberdrola may offer the participant the opportunity to scale the solution up through commercial agreements. PERSEO may also consider investing in the participating company and/or in the challenge’s winning solution.

 Legal basis [PDF]

Any questions about the project?

What Solutions Are We Looking For?

We're seeking inspection technologies that require minimal human intervention during deployment, operation, and maintenance. These solutions must be weather-resistant and capable of navigating the various obstacles found in a solar PV plant.

Why Are Iberdrola and PERSEO the Right Partners for My Company?

Iberdrola has a strong track record of working with startups and emerging companies. In the past two years alone, the Group has launched over 25 Startup Challenges to tackle issues and explore opportunities in today’s energy sector.

PERSEO covers the costs of pilot activities and provides the technical support you need, including access to real infrastructure and data to test your solution. PERSEO may also consider investing in your technology.

What Are the Key Benefits of This Challenge for Me?

· Collaboration Agreement & Pilot Test: The winner will sign a collaboration and pilot agreement with PERSEO or another Iberdrola Group company. Iberdrola will cover the cost of the pilot activities.

· Full Access: The winner will receive full technical support, as well as access to real sites and data to test the solution. This includes access to equipment, infrastructure, high-tech facilities, and shared workspaces.

· Scale Your Technology: If the pilot is successful, Iberdrola may offer the opportunity to scale the solution through commercial agreements.

Can I Submit More Than One Proposal?

Yes! You're welcome to submit more than one proposal—just make sure to complete a separate application form for each one.

What’s the Deadline to Apply?

The application deadline for this challenge is October 10th, 2025.

Who Will Evaluate the Proposals and How?

Experts in renewable energy and solar PV will review all submissions. Proposals will be evaluated based on several value criteria, including:

· Maturity and reliability of the solution

· Autonomous operation capabilities

· Investment and operational cost optimization

· Implementation costs and required personnel

· Ease of deployment, use, and minimal training needs

· Continuity of energy generation

· No risk of high temperatures or sparks

· Compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards

Selected participants will be contacted via email and invited to discuss their proposal with the project’s expert team.

Who Can Participate?

Entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, specialists, and innovators who can scale their solutions and are open to forming partnerships and commercial agreements with a global company.

Have Questions or Need More Info?

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