Short Definition
Asset management refers to the technical, financial and administrative management of individual energy installations or entire portfolios of installations. In the case of photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage systems (BESS), its aim is to support high availability and the most stable possible yields, to ensure transparency regarding operating costs, and to identify and mitigate technical risks at an early stage.
This article focuses on technical asset management. Economic and administrative tasks are considered in a supplementary capacity, as they are closely linked to the technical performance of the installations.
Asset Management at one glance
- Asset Management assesses the overall technical and economic performance of PV and BESS.
- Its responsibilities include monitoring, fault analysis, maintenance coordination, reporting, and warranty and contract management.
- Operational data is compared with target values, historical data, operating limits and contractually defined key performance indicators.
- Asset Management coordinates measures but does not normally carry out maintenance and repairs itself.
How it works
Technical asset management is based on the continuous collection and analysis of operational data. This includes the output and energy generation of the PV system, readings at the grid connection point, the operating status of the inverters, and the energy flows between generators, BESS, consumers and the public grid.
For PV systems, factors such as technical availability, specific yield, performance ratio, downtime and the resulting yield losses can be assessed. To ensure reliable comparisons, external factors such as solar irradiance and, where applicable, module temperature must be taken into account. A low daily yield, for example, does not automatically indicate a technical fault, but may also have been caused by low solar irradiance.
BESS also takes into account key performance indicators such as state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), cell and system temperatures, charge and discharge power, energy turnover, efficiency and equivalent full cycles. Charge and discharge losses, as well as compliance with permissible operating limits, are equally relevant. The SOH is often a value calculated by the battery management system and depends on the manufacturer’s specific calculation method.
Current measured values are compared with expected yields, historical reference values, operating limits and availability targets. This enables the detection of complete failures, communication faults and gradual performance losses. Any anomalies are assessed, prioritised and forwarded to internal managers, O&M service providers or manufacturers.
Depending on the agreed scope of services, asset management may also include comparisons of actual versus target revenue and operating costs, the verification of service provider invoices and statements of work, the monitoring of contractual deadlines, and the documentation of warranty and insurance claims. The exact scope of responsibilities is determined by the relevant operator, asset management or service agreement.
Regular reports summarise technical key figures, financial results, measures implemented and relevant events for operators, investors and other project stakeholders.
Distinguishing Asset Management from O&M and EMS
| Area | Main task |
| O&M | Carries out inspections, maintenance, repairs and on-site work. |
| EMS | Manages energy flows and plant components on an operational basis in line with defined operational targets. |
| Asset Management | Assesses overall performance and coordinates the technical, financial and administrative aspects of plant operations. |
The departments work closely together. Asset Management, for example, can identify and assess a performance deviation, commission an O&M service provider to carry out a technical inspection, and use operational data from the EMS to analyse plant conditions and control processes.
Typical use cases
Single PV or BESS
For individual assets, asset management serves to continuously monitor technical performance, availability, revenue, operating costs and outstanding actions.
Shared site with PV and BESS
In the case of combined systems, in addition to the individual components, energy flows and interactions between the PV system, the BESS, consumers and the grid connection point are also assessed.
Multi-Site Portfolio
A centralised portfolio overview enables a comparison of multiple sites. Systems with critical faults, low availability or unusual performance can be prioritised for attention.
Warranty and Claims
Historical measurement data, alarm messages and event logs can be used to document technical deviations and to investigate warranty, guarantee or insurance claims.
Technical assessment whilst the system is in operation
Asset Management supports the long-term assessment of an asset’s condition and performance, for example in the event of a change of operator, contract reviews or technical due diligence processes.
Benefits, limitations and technical requirements of Asset Management
Professional asset management provides transparency regarding the condition of assets, performance trends, operating costs and technical risks. Faults can be identified earlier, measures prioritised and service calls better prepared. Historical data also supports the assessment of long-term changes in performance and the documentation of warranty claims.
The validity of the analysis depends on measurement data that is complete, consistent over time and plausible. Missing device interfaces, communication interruptions, unsuitable measurement concepts or key performance indicators calculated using different methods can complicate analyses. External factors such as weather conditions, market prices, grid interventions and site-specific operational requirements must also be taken into account in the assessment.
Suitable measuring equipment, available device interfaces, reliable data transmission, and clearly defined key performance indicators, threshold values, comparison periods and responsibilities are required. A monitoring platform provides the technical data foundation for this, but does not replace expert assessment or comprehensive commercial or contractual processes.
Implementing asset management with EcoPhi
EcoPhi can centrally collect and visualise data from PV systems, BESS, meters and other devices. Historical data, configurable dashboards, reports and alerts support technical performance and fault analysis. Depending on the project-specific configuration, faults, threshold breaches and communication failures, for example, can be detected and reported.
For multiple installations, EcoPhi can display operational data in a shared portfolio overview. System-related documents can also be stored in a central document repository. This ensures that technical data and relevant installation documentation are available in a single location.
In addition to monitoring, EcoPhi can implement local control functions, for example for peak shaving, optimising self-consumption or limiting feed-in. The available functions depend on the device interfaces, the local measurement values and the project-specific configuration.
EcoPhi thus provides the technical data, monitoring and control layer for technical asset management. However, the platform does not replace comprehensive commercial asset management, for example in relation to accounting, finance, insurance administration or comprehensive contract management.
Short Summary
Asset Management combines the technical monitoring of PV and BESS with economic assessment and organisational coordination. Operational data is analysed, anomalies are prioritised, and measures are coordinated with O&M service providers, manufacturers and other stakeholders. Reliable measurement data, suitable interfaces and clearly defined responsibilities are crucial for robust assessments. EcoPhi can provide the technical data, monitoring and control infrastructure for this purpose.
FAQ on Asset Management
What does asset management for a solar PV system involve?
It includes, amongst other things, performance monitoring, performance evaluation, fault analysis, reporting, maintenance coordination and the handling of warranty and contractual matters. The exact scope of services depends on the specific contract.
Which BESS data is important for asset management?
Particularly relevant factors include SOC, SOH, temperatures, charge and discharge rates, energy turnover, efficiency, equivalent full cycles, and error and warning messages. In addition, it should be checked whether the BESS is operating within its permissible operating limits.
Is asset management the same as O&M?
No. O&M carries out technical work such as inspections, maintenance and repairs. Asset Management assesses plant operations, prioritises measures and coordinates the service providers involved.
Can a monitoring platform handle the entire asset management process?
No, at least not entirely. It can support measurement data, analyses, alerts and technical workflows. Commercial, contractual and organisational tasks require additional processes and people with specialist responsibility.