In the 2025–2027 period, RSE will begin developing an advanced electronic interface designed to be installed between the photovoltaic string and the inverter to maximize the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. The interface will offer the following features:

Advanced diagnostics: The interface will monitor the short-circuit current (Isc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) of the photovoltaic string during operation. This will allow for precise identification of faults, partial shading, and degradation phenomena, ensuring accurate and timely control of the system’s health.
Energy production optimization: An innovative Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm integrated into the interface will automatically recognize variations in the maximum power point, even under partial shading and frequent changes in solar irradiation. This MPPT will maximize energy production, improving upon existing methods based on scanning the I-V curve at timed intervals.
Intelligent storage management: The interface will intelligently manage energy flow with batteries, optimizing charging and discharging based on historical consumption and weather forecasts. This functionality will prevent deep discharges, improve battery lifespan, and maximize the efficiency and operational life of the storage system.
The interface will not require hardware or firmware modifications to the existing inverter but will enable dynamic adjustment of its operating parameters through communication via the Modbus protocol.

RSE is seeking a company specializing in the development and commercialization of inverters for photovoltaic systems interested in collaborating on the development of the interface. The project will involve the following stages:
a) Implementation of energy optimization and battery management algorithms,
b) Development of a prototype to validate diagnostic functions,
c) Creation of the final interface,
d) Testing it on operational photovoltaic systems.

The selected partner will sign a collaboration agreement with RSE, with terms to be defined during negotiations.

Partner Responsibilities
During the collaboration, the partner will commit to:

Actively participating in the design of the interface in synergy with the RSE team. The partner will contribute to defining the technical specifications of the interface, ensuring that the device delivers high performance and meets cost and manufacturability requirements for future industrialization and large-scale commercialization.
Providing inverters and storage systems for the implementation and testing of the interface, along with all necessary technical information on inverter control parameters.
Collaborating on the development of efficiency and diagnostic algorithms, as well as interface management software, by sharing specific knowledge and expertise in the sector.
Conducting tests and experiments with the interface at its own photovoltaic facilities, providing infrastructure and resources to validate its functions in a real-world environment.
Project Outcomes
The joint activities will result in the development of an electronic interface for enhancing efficiency and fault diagnostics in photovoltaic systems with storage capabilities.

The outcomes will be publicly available and may be published and disseminated through conferences, scientific journals, and other communication channels. The partner may use the results for promotional, marketing, or other purposes deemed appropriate.

Expression of Interest
Interested parties are invited to express their interest in writing via email to EYESonPV@rse-web.it by no later than November 22, 2024. The email should include the contact details (phone and email) of a designated representative and provide all required information as per the attached requirements table, including a brief description of the company/organization.

Proposal Evaluation
Proposals will be assessed by a dedicated committee, appointed after all applications are received, in adherence to the principles of transparency and impartiality. The committee will conduct a comparative evaluation of the proposals based on the criteria outlined in the attached table.

Collaboration Agreement
RSE reserves the right to terminate the procedure if no application meets the objectives outlined in the notice. It may also suspend or abandon the process after identifying the highest-scoring proposal, reopen applications, or issue a new call, providing justification in such cases.

RSE also reserves the right to establish one or more collaboration contracts, including multilateral agreements, if this is deemed advantageous following the comparative procedure. No reimbursement or compensation of any kind may be claimed by candidates.

Evaluation Table