We are thrilled to be named the winner of the prestigious Ara Ake Innovation Award at SEANZ 2024, recognising excellence in the sustainable energy industry and innovative thinking that challenges traditional models and practices.

The Ara Ake Innovation Award honours groundbreaking solutions that reimagine how we approach solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS). It focuses on innovative technologies, processes and business models that disrupt the status quo and offer scalable benefits to the wider industry. This award is not just about incremental improvements; it’s about transformative ideas that can be applied across the sector to create a more sustainable energy future.

The challenge we took on

The PV industry is facing a challenge. How can we scale our industry to build new generation through roof top solar and solar farms? And what’s missing from the discussion is how we operate these systems. It’s vital these systems continue long term from both a financial and environmental perspective.

Revolve is committed to helping these systems realise their potential. Our team has developed a comprehensive set of tools and solutions to support asset owners and O&M contractors. These tools are applied during construction and help operational teams run successful plants.

Our winning solution

Revolve Energy stood out among the competition with our comprehensive three-part software solution, designed to tackle the persistent issues affecting solar system operations. Our solution included:

Construction monitoring and digital twin creation: creating a digital replica (or "digital twin") of the project allowed for precise monitoring and management of the solar asset.
Operational thermographic imaging: leveraging advanced thermographic technology, drone imagery and software, enabled detailed inspections of solar panels during operation. It identified any potential issues or inefficiencies early, helping to prevent costly repairs and ensuring optimal performance.
Data acquisition and dashboards: a robust data acquisition system, complemented by intuitive dashboards, provided real-time insights into the performance of solar systems. Asset owners can identify and investigate underperformance and establish if a plant is meeting its expected returns.

Closing the gap in solar operations

Revolve Energy developed a suite of tools to bridge the gap between feasibility and implementation in solar projects. Our solution ensures asset owners and managers can confidently meet performance goals, delivering value to investors through scalable, manufacturer-independent systems. This new service supports the growth of Aotearoa’s PV industry by providing unique solutions that enhance efficiency and reliability across entire solar portfolios.

What the judges said

The judges were highly impressed by this innovative approach and the practical benefits offered to the industry. They praised the solution for addressing a clear gap in the market, delivering it at a competitive price point and offering significant value to asset owners and managers. Here’s what some of the judges had to say:

“Revolve have found a gap in the market and developed a solution at a great price point.”
“This will help asset owners and managers ensure peak returns.”
“A great solution that will contribute to the longevity of systems.”
“A meaningful contribution with application across the industry.”

Looking ahead

Winning the Ara Ake Innovation Award is a testament to Revolve Energy’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the renewable energy sector. As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, we will continue to innovate and lead the way in delivering technology that not only meets but exceeds industry expectations.

Thank you to SEANZ and Ara Ake for this incredible recognition. We look forward to continuing our mission of transforming the solar energy landscape with cutting-edge solutions that benefit everyone involved.

Revolve Energy wins Ara Ake Innovation Award at SEANZ 2024