The network delivers real-time insights and long-term analysis, supporting project efficiency and strategic energy planning. This in turn helps to support Italy’s push to meet its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) targets and plays a strategic role in scaling up solar capacity.
Unlike standard systems, DNV’s stations include dedicated albedo sensors tailored for bifacial solar modules - an increasingly dominant technology now accounting for nearly 40 percent of new solar projects in Italy. DNV research shows that optimising for albedo can increase energy output by up to 15 percent.
“Italy has enormous solar potential, but turning that potential into performance depends on accurate, site-specific data” said Santiago Blanco, Vice President and Regional Director for Southern Europe, Energy Systems at DNV. “Our precise measurement stations provide exactly the kind of actionable insight developers need to deliver on Italy’s energy transition and Paris Agreement goals.”
Each station is equipped with advanced soiling measurement capabilities, helping operators reduce cleaning costs by up to 30 percent while maintaining peak performance. This is especially important for bifacial modules, where ground reflectivity and cleanliness have a significant impact on energy output. The albedo analytics specifically address the growing market for bifacial solar technology, where traditional measurement approaches often fall short.
The project was developed in partnership with Cubico Sustainable Investments, reflecting a shared commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition through data-driven innovation and demonstrating DNV's ability to combine global expertise with local market needs.
For project developers, DNV’s resource measurement stations offer a comprehensive suite of benefits:
Accurate solar irradiance and albedo data to improve bifacial module performance;
Soiling ratio monitoring to optimise cleaning schedules and lower O&M costs;
Reliable solar resource assessments to guide new site development and investment decisions.
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