REPVAIR

REPVAIR is developing the next generation of photovoltaic asset management by moving beyond traditional replace-on-failure approaches towards predictive, climate-aware and repair-oriented lifetime extension strategies. The project aims to reduce degradation in crystalline silicon PV modules, extend their operational lifetime and improve the reliability, resource efficiency and energy yield of Europe’s rapidly growing solar fleet. By detecting early failures and hidden underperformance, REPVAIR seeks to lower operational costs, reduce waste and enhance the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of solar energy.

To achieve this, REPVAIR brings together climate modelling, artificial intelligence, advanced materials and robotics within a single integrated framework. The project develops climate-driven ageing methodologies for lifetime prediction, AI-powered fault detection and classification tools embedded in a federated digital twin architecture, and innovative repair solutions for the most critical electrical and material-related failure modes. These technologies are further integrated into a robotic diagnosis and repair system capable of supporting field interventions.

The resulting decision-support platform combines diagnostics, lifetime modelling and environmental and economic assessments to optimise repair-versus-replacement decisions, improve circularity and reduce the Levelised Cost of Energy. By increasing the reliability and sustainability of photovoltaic systems, REPVAIR contributes directly to Horizon Europe’s goals of delivering a secure, competitive and climate-neutral energy system while strengthening European leadership in digitalised renewable energy technologies.