Sunny outlook for Spain’s technical advisory specialist in Australia

Spanish-headquartered Applus+ Group launched its renewable energy services in Australia in 2019. With operations based out of Brisbane, the company provides technical advisory services for renewable energy, including consulting, engineering, and delivering mobile solar PV testing capabilities to Australian solar farms.

The group’s technical advisory specialist, Enertis Applus+, launched one of the company’s 6 PV mobile testing laboratories in Australia in late 2024. The PV mobile laboratory travels to solar farms to check the performance of panels and diagnose any loss in performance.

‘We have seen a huge welcome for this technology from clients in Australia,’ says José María Peris, Regional Manager Pacific of Applus+ Renewable Energy Services Unit. ‘Providing AAA-accredited testing onsite instead of sending panels to an external, fixed laboratory can save clients significant cost and time, as well as minimise risks related to transportation.

‘We have big plans to develop our wind energy testing as well as working to support utility-scale energy storage,’ he adds. ‘Applus+ is fully committed to Australia and supporting the transition to renewables. We see a stable policy environment and a great path forward.’

Growing demand for renewables support technologies

Australia’s ambitious renewable energy targets and substantial industry growth are what attracted Applus+ to expand its renewables unit here.

‘It was a natural move as many clients were also moving to Australia and needed local support, including specialised technical advisory and quality assurance services,’ says Peris.

Spanish companies are generally very comfortable investing and operating in Australia, notes Austrade’s Investment Director in Madrid, Elena Laburu.

‘The markets match well in terms of scale and capability,’ she says. ‘The physical climates are similar, while Australia’s stable political climate provides certainty for investment.’

The demand for specialised support technology is growing too, with 2024 seeing record highs for solar generation and investment. Australia generated 25% of its electricity from solar power in October 2024 for the first time.

Investment into large-scale generation was at its highest level since 2018. Utility-scale wind and solar projects totalling 4.3 GW reached the financial investment decision (FID) phase of development within the year. This includes Iberdrola Australia’s Broadsound Solar Farm in Queensland, which comprises 610,000 solar panels (377 MWdc).

‘There were 21 large-scale renewable energy projects commissioned in Australia in 2024 – two-thirds of these were solar plants,’ says Laburu. ‘Spanish companies are also getting involved in high-voltage grid infrastructure projects to integrate renewables into energy system.’

‘The renewable energy sector in Australia is increasingly global and we proudly contribute our extensive, international technical advisory expertise to key renewable energy players in the Australian market,’ says Peris.

Learn more about Australia’s renewable energy sector.

Enertis Applus+ has 6 PV mobile laboratories that travel to solar farms checking the performance of panels.

Support to maintain generation performance

As with any evolving technology, wind and solar energy generation are sparking demand for new solutions. While wind power performance testing is key to verify the actual performance of wind turbines, periodic testing of solar PV panels is now an essential service for utility-scale solar generators.

Modules are first tested at the factory, again after their shipment, and finally tested after installation to find potential failures at any stage. Continuing with routine testing every one or 2 years is becoming standard, to check the module’s performance against the manufacturer’s performance warranties. Ongoing testing can help diagnose loss of performance or support due diligence when solar PV plants are bought, sold or refinanced.

Bringing accredited testing onsite

Before the Enertis Applus+ PV mobile laboratory arrived in Australia, solar modules would be sent to testing labs in China. The journey created operational downtime as well as exposure to the risk of damages, and potential shipping expenses.

Enertis Applus+ designed and patented its mobile laboratory in 2012. Since then, this design has undergone significant evolution to accommodate changes in module technology and increases in size while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

‘The PV mobile laboratory provides the same accredited standard of solar testing as fixed laboratories,’ says Peris. ‘AAA-accredited testing would be needed to support a warranty claim.’

Operators around Australia are taking up the advantages of onsite testing, with the Enertis Applus+ PV mobile laboratory covering hundreds of kilometres. To date, the laboratory has travelled up and down Australia’s east coast – from Goondiwindi to Gulgong, Armidale, Port Augusta and Sebastopol.

Austrade’s support to grow solar advisory operations

Although Applus+ has had a presence in Australia since 1982, Austrade provided critical support as the company established its renewable energy capabilities.

‘As we were in the learning phase of our renewables business, Austrade helped us understand who the key players and authorities in the industry were, and facilitated introductions to them,’ explains Peris. ‘We have also valued Austrade’s regular market updates and information. These provide insights to the market and policy developments that can be very hard to access otherwise.’

Expanding skills and opportunities in Australia

In a fast-growing market, building a skilled local workforce can take time.

‘It has been great to have the opportunity to bring some international experience to supplement and develop local skills,’ says Peris.

‘We are aiming to be a one-stop shop for renewable consultancy, engineering and quality assurance. We are planning to establish a new engineering and design department in Brisbane and continuing to develop talent and technology here.’