Experience design
Machine learning for safer independent living in old age
Learn more
Homepage zuehlke.com
Energy & utilities
Solar-Log uses innovation as key to sustainable energy supply
In collaboration with our team, Solar-Log embarked on a transformative journey towards a sustainable future, placing the company’s ‘We create connections’ slogan at the heart of this endeavour. Together, we demonstrated that technology, innovation, and sustainability must go hand-in-hand to successfully navigate the energy transition.
The energy transition presents complex challenges. One essential factor in overcoming them is the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into existing power grids. However, this integration is technologically challenging due to the natural fluctuations in power production caused by weather and seasonal changes. Solar-Log, one of the market-leading providers in independent, qualified monitoring and control of photovoltaic systems (PV systems), is developing solutions to address this issue. We, at Zühlke, are proud to be Solar-Log's strategic development partner on this path.
“Our collaboration with Zühlke actively contributes to transforming the energy sector by accelerating the integration of renewable energy and paving the way for a more sustainable future.”
Vision: intelligent and decentralised energy generation and distribution for the energy transition
Intelligent and decentralised energy generation and distribution play a crucial role in the energy transition. Solar systems vary in size – from small private installations with a few modules to large industrial plants with several megawatts of capacity. These systems must meet complex regulatory requirements based on their size and connection point, including registration with the grid operator. For example, medium-sized solar systems must be connected to power grids through specific control and monitoring units.
Solar-Log GmbH is a pioneer in renewable energy. Its products are market leaders in independent, qualified monitoring and control of PV systems. With our support, Solar-Log aims to rethink intelligent and decentralised energy distribution, setting new standards in the industry and actively shaping the energy transition.
Complexity and adaptability as key challenges
Efficient and reliable integration of medium-sized solar systems into the power grid poses significant technological challenges. These are evident when considering the tasks that the system, comprising a hardware component and multiple web-based user interface systems, must perform:
- Monitoring, fault detection, and analysis of energy production and system functionality. This is essential for quick responses in case of failures and identifying which component sent which signal during an undesired event.
- Feed-in management: controlling authorised grid feed-in, dictated by both the grid operator and the organisation that’s selling the electricity on the market.
- Smart energy functions: optimised self-consumption of energy production.
The complexity of these challenges is heightened by the fact that Solar-Log products are compatible with over 3,300 components, such as inverters, meters, heat pumps, charging stations, and energy storage systems, from more than 170 manufacturers. Additionally, Germany alone has over 300 medium-voltage networks, managed by various grid operators, each with unique technical characteristics that must be considered during development and commissioning. Solar-Log products must also be certified according to VDE (Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) rules.
Moreover, there are continuous new functional requirements. To implement new functions, such as smart energy features, the software must meet the highest standards of quality, flexibility, and architecture. To ensure this, Solar-Log has chosen Zühlke as its strategic transformation partner.
Achieving goals through agile collaboration and technological excellence
We brought our cross-industry, multidisciplinary expertise and passion for sustainable solutions to this long-term partnership. A key aspect was conducting a detailed architecture assessment to determine where the existing software aligned with Solar-Log's strategy and which areas required revision. This approach allowed the team to quickly identify and address weaknesses.
To support and relieve Solar-Log's product owners in their daily work, Zühlke provided a product owner proxy and additional resources. This allowed product owners to focus more effectively on core requirements and strategic direction. Furthermore, we provided a development team that included Solar-Log developers and experts. This integrative approach ensured optimal use of Solar-Log's expertise and our technical competence.
“The agile and detailed approach of Zühlke enabled a technologically advanced solution, tailored precisely to the needs and requirements of the renewable energy sector.”
A key factor in this project's success was the close and agile collaboration among all participants. The teams not only worked remotely but also regularly convened for product increment planning sessions. These meetings clarified the necessary content and strengthened team cohesion.
This collaborative and flexible working method effectively covered all value-added stages of software development, including:
- Scoping
- UX consulting and design
- Firmware and portal development
- System architecture creation
- Security evaluation
- Integration
- System design
- Testing automation
Collaboration accelerates innovation, enhances efficiency, and reduces costs
With Zühlke's support, Solar-Log can now operate more efficiently and concentrate fully on further developing and optimising its products.
Specifically, Solar-Log benefits from our experience in the successful completion of thousands of agile projects. The exchange of knowledge and experience has led Solar-Log to adjust its working methods in line with Zühlke's best practices. This contributed significantly to quick and cost-effective project implementation, with possibilities for continuous quality improvement.
“The collaboration between Solar-Log and Zühlke is more than the sum of its parts. Together, we bring our claim of 'we create connections' to life, both humanly and technologically. We demonstrate what is possible when two leading companies join forces. ”
Another major advantage of this collaboration is the facilitation and acceleration of integrating new functions into Solar-Log's components and systems. Now, the team can significantly reduce time and costs for innovations and bring products to market faster. The continuous development of the software architecture also aids in a quicker certification of Solar-Log products.
In a rapidly evolving market such as the energy sector, this increased flexibility provides a decisive competitive advantage. With their innovative solution, Solar-Log and Zühlke not only contribute to creating a sustainable future but also actively shape the energy transition.
