"We create connections" - in keeping with the company claim, Solar-Log is embarking on a transformation journey into a sustainable future with Zühlke. Together, the partners are demonstrating that technology, innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand in order to successfully master the energy transition.
The challenges of the energy transition are complex. One key to mastering these challenges is renewable energy sources such as solar & wind. However, their integration into existing power grids poses one of the greatest technological challenges. This is because these energy sources are dependent on the weather and the time of year and electricity production is therefore subject to natural fluctuations. Solar-Log, one of the market-leading providers of manufacturer-independent, qualified monitoring and control of photovoltaic systems (PV systems) worldwide, develops solutions for precisely this challenge. Zühlke is Solar-Log's strategic development partner in this endeavour.
" Our collaboration with Zühlke is actively contributing to the transformation of the energy industry by accelerating the integration of renewable energy and paving the way for a more sustainable future. "
Holger Schroth
CPO/Managing Director, Solar-Log GmbH
Vision: Intelligent and decentralised energy generation and distribution as an active contribution to the energy transition
Intelligent and decentralised energy generation and distribution has a key role to play. Solar systems come in a wide range of sizes - from small private systems with just a few modules to large industrial systems with several megawatts of power. In addition to registering with the grid operator, the systems must also fulfil complex regulatory requirements, depending on their size and connection point. Medium-sized solar systems, for example, must be connected to the power grid via specific control and monitoring units.
Solar-Log GmbH is one of the pioneers in the field of renewable energies. The Solar-Log products are market leaders in the field of manufacturer-independent, qualified monitoring and control of PV systems. With the support of Zühlke, Solar-Log wants to rethink intelligent and decentralised energy distribution, set new standards in the industry and actively shape the energy transition.
Complexity and adaptability as key challenges
Integrating medium-sized solar systems efficiently and reliably into the power grid poses enormous challenges for the technology. The complex demands on the technology become clear when you take a look at the tasks that the system, consisting of a hardware component and several web-based systems for the user interface, has to fulfil:
Monitoring, fault detection and analysing energy generation and the correct functioning of the systems. This is essential in order to be able to react quickly in the event of failures. And in the event of undesired behaviour, it is possible to determine which component has given which signal.Feed-in management: Control of the authorised grid feed-in. This is specified both by the operator of the electricity grid and by the marketer who sells the electricity on the market.
Smart energy functions: Optimised own use of energy generation.
The complexity of the home requirements is increased by the fact that the 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. In addition, there are over 300 medium-voltage grids in Germany alone, which are managed and controlled by various grid operators. Within the framework of the standard, they each have special technical features that must be taken into account during development and commissioning. Solar-Log products must also be certified according to the rules of the VDE (Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e. V.).
In addition, there are constantly new requirements for functions. In order to be able to implement these new functions, e.g. smart energy functions, the software must meet the highest standards in terms of quality, flexibility and architecture. To ensure this, Solar-Log has chosen Zühlke as its strategic transformation partner.
Achieving the goal with agile collaboration and technological excellence
Zühlke brings its cross-industry, multidisciplinary expertise and passion for sustainable solutions to the long-term partnership. A central component of this was the implementation of a detailed architecture assessment. This is crucial to determine where the existing software already aligns with Solar-Log's strategy and which areas require revision. This approach allows the team to quickly identify and target weak points.
To support and relieve Solar-Log's Product Owners in their daily work, Zühlke provides a Product Owner Proxy and additional capacities. This measure enables the Product Owners to concentrate more effectively on core requirements and strategic orientation. In addition, Zühlke will provide a development team that will include developers and experts from Solar-Log. In addition, Zühlke developers are integrated into two Solar-Log development teams. This integrative approach ensures that both Solar-Log's specialist expertise and Zühlke's technical expertise are utilised optimally.
" Zühlke's agile and detailed approach enables a technologically state-of-the-art solution that is precisely tailored to the needs and requirements of the renewable energy sector. "
Holger Schroth
CPO/Managing Director, Solar-Log GmbH
A key factor in the success of this project is the close and agile collaboration between all those involved. The teams not only work in a distributed manner, but also meet regularly for product increment planning. These meetings not only serve to clarify the necessary content, but also strengthen cohesion within the teams.
This co-operative and flexible way of working effectively covers all stages of the software development value chain, including
Scoping,
UX consulting & design,
Firmware and portal development,
elaboration of the system architecture,
Security evaluation and consulting
Integration and design of peripheral systems
Test automation.
Collaboration accelerates innovation, increases efficiency and reduces costs
Thanks to Zühlke's support, e.g. by providing development teams, Solar-Log can work more efficiently and concentrate fully at all times on its core competence, the further development and optimisation of its products.
Solar-Log also benefits from Zühlke's experience from thousands of agile projects. The exchange of knowledge and experience means that Solar-Log is changing its working methods and adapting some of them to Zühlke's best practices. This contributes significantly to the project team not only being able to realise the project faster and more cost-efficiently, but also to continuously improving quality.
" The collaboration between Solar-Log and Zühlke is more than the sum of its parts. Together, we bring our claim 'we create connections' to life in both human and technological terms. We show what is possible when two leading companies join forces."
Jörg Niche
CPO/Managing Director, Solar-Log GmbH
Another key advantage of the collaboration is that it makes it easier and faster to integrate new functions into Solar-Log components and peripheral systems. The team can thus significantly reduce the time and costs for innovations and bring the products to market more quickly. The continuous further development of the software architecture also supports the faster certification of Solar-Log products.
Especially in such a rapidly developing market as the energy sector, this increased flexibility provides a decisive competitive advantage. With their innovative solution, Solar-Log and Zühlke are not only helping to create a sustainable future, but are also actively shaping the energy transition.