Intertek acquires Aerial PV Inspection

Intertek CEA, a prominent player in the global assurance, testing, inspection, and certification sector, has acquired Germany-based Aerial PV Inspection GmbH (AePVI). This acquisition aims to bolster Intertek's capabilities in providing high-speed drone and ground-based quality assurance services for utility-scale solar assets throughout Europe. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

AePVI specializes in delivering high-precision inspection and diagnostic data for large-scale solar assets using advanced drone technology. These services are critical for identifying module defects that can arise from weather conditions, transportation, or installation processes. By integrating AePVI’s expertise, Intertek will enhance its ability to offer swift and detailed inspections for solar farms, addressing issues that may affect long-term energy yield.

Sunny Rai, President of Electrical, Connected World, and Transportation Technologies at Intertek, highlighted that the acquisition would enhance Intertek's capacity to identify damages not visible to the naked eye, thereby expediting the inspection process and broadening the range of services offered. This strategic move is intended to bring improvements in productivity and service reach for Intertek, as it leverages AePVI’s established European market presence.

The acquisition underscores the growing demand for robust quality assurance in the solar energy sector, driven by the rapid expansion of utility-scale solar farms. Intertek aims to capitalize on this trend by offering its customers in more than 100 countries access to an integrated solution that combines local expertise with its global assurance and testing network.

Moving forward, the integration of AePVI into Intertek's operations will be critical, with a focus on seamless service delivery to existing and new clients in the solar market. While the deal’s closure conditions remain undisclosed, Intertek's expansion into quality assurance services for solar assets reflects the broader industry shift towards supporting renewable energy projects with advanced technological solutions.