Iberdrola is a world leader in clean energy, operating over 5,000 MW of installed photovoltaic capacity in Spain. Maintaining this vast network requires rigorous inspections to ensure reliability and safety. Currently, these inspections are performed manually – teams walk through sprawling, remote solar fields with handheld thermal cameras, often covering tens of kilometers over several days or weeks.
To optimize efficiency, safety, and scalability, Iberdrola, through its Photovoltaic Plant Inspection Startup Challenge 2025, seeks innovative solutions that bring autonomous or remotely operated systems into its solar infrastructure management. This Challenge offers startups a chance to co-create impactful technology while addressing critical energy sector challenges.
The Challenge: Transform Solar Plant Inspections with Smart Solutions
The Photovoltaic Plant Inspection Startup Challenge focuses on developing autonomous, efficient, and safe inspection technologies for large-scale solar plants. Startups are invited to design solutions that identify wiring anomalies, detect hotspots, and handle rugged environments while streamlining inspection workflows. Potential solutions may include, but are not limited to:
- Automation and Remote Operation: Fully autonomous or remotely operated vehicles or drones for challenging terrains.
- Advanced Imaging and Analytics: Visible and thermal imaging, video capture, 3D modeling, and digital twin solutions.
- Defect Detection and Reporting: Automated alerts, detailed inspection reports, and centralized monitoring.
- Efficient Resource Management: Smart deployment and charging systems to minimize downtime.
- HSE Compliance: Solutions must meet strict health, safety, and environmental standards, ensuring risk-free operations.
Why Join? Collaborate, Scale, and Innovate with Iberdrola!
Winning startups of the Photovoltaic Plant Inspection Startup Challenge 2025 will gain exclusive collaboration opportunities with Iberdrola through a proof of concept (PoC) agreement with PERSEO and/or other relevant Iberdrola group companies. Other benefits include:
- Funded Proof of Concept (PoC): Iberdrola and PERSEO will cover all pilot costs and provide expert technical support.
- Real-World Testing: Deploy and refine your solution in actual photovoltaic plants using real data and infrastructure.
- Commercial Scaling: Successful pilots may lead to commercial agreements and group-wide deployment.
- Investment Potential: PERSEO may consider investing in your solution to accelerate growth.
How will Iberdrola Evaluate Your Application?
Iberdrola is looking for robust, scalable, and innovative technologies that deliver measurable value. Your proposal will be evaluated based on:
- Solution Maturity and Reliability: Demonstrating a proven or high-potential technology that can handle real-world conditions.
- Autonomous Operation Capabilities: Ability to reduce manual effort and streamline large-scale inspections.
- Cost Optimization: Clear potential to optimize both investment and operating costs.
- Implementation Efficiency: Low complexity in setup, staffing, and integration with existing systems.
- Ease of Deployment: Minimal training requirements for smooth rollout.
- Operational Continuity: Ability to maintain energy generation during inspections.
- Safety Assurance: Elimination of risks like overheating or spark generation.
Regulatory Compliance: Full adherence to Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards.
A Glimpse into the Program Timeline
The Photovoltaic Plant Inspection Startup Challenge 2025 is open to individuals and organizations with innovative solutions ready for development and testing. Participants must be at least 18 years old and legally authorized representatives if applying as a team or legal entity.
- Applications Open: 8th September 2025
- Application Deadline: 10th October 2025
- Winner Announcement: November 2025
- Pilot Projects Begin: December 2025 onwards
Drive the Future of Renewable Energy – Apply Today!
This is your opportunity to revolutionize solar infrastructure inspections and shape the future of renewable energy. Submit your proposal by 10th October 2025 to join Iberdrola in building smarter, safer, and more sustainable solar plants.
Visit the Photovoltaic Plant Inspection Startup Challenge 2025 page for full details and application guidelines.
Ready to make an impact? Apply now!
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