Following Solar & Storage Live in Birmingham, Solar&StorageXtra caught up with Gonzalo de Blas Pradillo, Territory Manager UK&I and China at RatedPower.
Gonzalo discussed RatedPower’s big rebrand reveal at the show, the company’s recent new standalone battery launch, and the projections for massive energy storage growth Gonzalo shared in his talk at the show.
Interview with Gonzalo de Blas Pradillo, Territory Manager UK&I and China at RatedPower
“We also observe that the industry has evolved significantly. Traditional tools have given way to digitalisation, and the market is becoming increasingly complex.”
Xtra: What is RatedPower’s role in the industry?
Gonzalo: RatedPower is a software-as-a-service company focused on optimising the design and engineering of utility-scale PV plants.
Our software streamlines processes such as solar plant design, layout optimisation, electrical configuration, and energy yield estimation.
We act as a one-stop shop, supporting both solar PV design and battery energy storage systems (BESS), including AC and DC-coupled systems as part of hybrid PV-plus-BESS setups. Recently, we expanded to standalone BESS, helping users optimise production and capacity.
We also assist with system interconnection, covering substations, transmission lines, and other facilities. Our software generates over 400 pages of editable technical documents in just a few clicks.
Ultimately, we help developers, engineering firms, and EPCs save time and reduce costs, with some clients reporting a 5% decrease in LCOE and up to a 20% increase in project profitability. Our mission is to simplify workflows, scale solar deployment globally, and accelerate the energy transition.
Xtra: What challenges is RatedPower helping the industry overcome, or are there any current challenges on your radar?
Gonzalo: RatedPower addresses key challenges in the solar industry. Storage technologies are a major focus, as they are critical for solving grid congestion and instability issues. Improving infrastructure and utilising storage can significantly alleviate these problems.
The industry has evolved with the rise of digitalisation, making tools essential for risk prediction, profit margin optimisation, and operational stability. Our software facilitates scalability, enabling companies to handle multiple projects without compromising quality.
We also manage intricate designs involving land assessments, electrical configurations, and compliance requirements. By automating these processes, we reduce human error and improve accuracy. This saves time, reduces costs, and helps developers stay competitive.
Xtra: Are there any projects or announcements RatedPower is particularly excited about?
Gonzalo: Recently, we launched a standalone battery model and are developing features to model dispatch strategies for standalone BESS, a feature in high demand. In September, we underwent a rebranding, showcasing our new corporate image at Solar & Storage Live in Birmingham.
We are also enhancing financial KPIs, OpEx and revenue models, and interconnection parameters. For us, these updates demonstrate our commitment to staying ahead of market needs and addressing user demands.
Xtra: Are there any trends or challenges in the wider sector that you think we should be more aware of?
Gonzalo: RatedPower addresses several key challenges in the solar energy industry.
One major focus is storage technologies, which we see as critical to solving grid congestion and instability issues at electricity supply points. Improving infrastructure and utilising storage can significantly alleviate these problems.
We also observe that the industry has evolved significantly. Traditional tools have given way to digitalisation, and the market is becoming increasingly complex.
Digital tools are essential for risk prediction, profit margin optimisation, and operational stability. RatedPower’s software supports these advancements by enabling scalability, which allows companies to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.
This ensures high-quality outcomes without compromising standards. By automating intricate processes – such as land assessments, electrical configurations, and compliance requirements – we reduce human error and improve accuracy.
These capabilities save time, lower costs, and help developers remain competitive in a dynamic industry.
Xtra: You recently gave a presentation at Solar & Storage Live. Can you share the main points and takeaways?
Gonzalo: At the event in Birmingham, I discussed BESS and its role in storing excess renewable energy, curtailment, and addressing the intermittent nature of solar power. I covered AC and DC-coupled systems, their benefits, trade-offs, and market trends like the growing adoption of hybrid PV-plus-BESS systems.
I also shared projections for massive energy storage growth by 2030 and highlighted operational benefits such as energy time-shifting, grid reliability, and financial advantages.
Additionally, I introduced upcoming BESS features in our software. The goal was to showcase BESS’s current state, future potential, and how RatedPower supports its adoption.
Xtra: Why are events like Solar & Storage Live important for the industry?
Gonzalo: Events like Solar & Storage Live are vital for fostering innovation, collaboration, and momentum in the clean energy transition. They facilitate knowledge sharing, networking, and market insights. By attending events in different regions, we learn about trends, regulatory changes, and new technologies while showcasing our innovations.
These gatherings bring stakeholders together to address industry challenges, making them invaluable for driving progress.
Missed out on Solar & Storage Live, or want to come back for more? Don’t miss the London edition from 2-3 April 2025 – or find a Solar & Storage Live event closer to home.
