Partnering for Project Performance: Your Assets, Our Owner’s Mindset

As BayWa r.e. grew into a leader in solar, battery storage, and wind energy development, we recognized that our role extended beyond project construction and commissioning. Managing our own renewable energy assets reinforced the critical importance of optimizing performance to maximize returns. As an asset owner, we understand the complexities of maintaining efficiency, ensuring long-term reliability, and driving sustained success.

Expanding into O&M services was a natural progression, driven by our commitment to supporting long-term success in the renewable energy industry. Our firsthand experience has shown that a meticulous, results-driven approach is key to optimizing asset performance. This perspective allows us to go beyond standard service models, fostering true partnerships with our clients. As asset owners ourselves, we understand the challenges and priorities that matter most. From contract negotiations to daily operations, we take an owner’s mindset—ensuring every decision aligns with the asset owner’s goals, not just industry norms.  

Status of the Solar O&M Business Sector Today

While demonstrating your company’s capabilities through checklists, policies, and experience is essential, the true priority for an O&M provider is ensuring energy production reaches the grid—ultimately generating revenue. The focus should be on maximizing equipment availability to deliver consistent kilowatt output.

A May 3, 2023, report from PV Magazine highlighted research by kWh Analytics, a climate insurance and renewable energy risk management firm, revealing that solar assets are underperforming by an average of 8%. Projects built after 2015 have generated 7% to 13% less electricity than P50 production estimates. Additionally, drone inspection and imaging provider Raptor Maps estimated $82 million in annual losses across the 24.5 GW of assets it inspected in 2022—equating to an average loss of $3,350 per megawatt. While many O&M providers advertise a 99% availability guarantee, this does not necessarily mean a site is operating at peak performance.