Overview
As solar farms grow larger and more complex, asset owners require smarter ways to monitor performance, identify issues, and optimize operations across distributed energy sites. A renewable energy technology provider specializing in AI powered solar asset intelligence needed a rugged edge computing platform to control robotics systems, process field data, and support advanced analytics workflows using information collected from sensors, drones, and human observations. Premio supported these next generation solar operations with the JCO-3000-ORN Series, a rugged Mid-Range Edge AI Computer powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano/NX modules designed for reliable edge processing, industrial connectivity, and deployment in demanding field environments.
Challenges
- Need for NVIDIA Orin Nano processing capability to support robotic command and control applications
- Limited connectivity options for integrating robotics systems and multiple solar field devices
- Wide operating temperature requirements for remote outdoor solar deployments
- Reliable communication support needed for Starlink and cellular connected field operations
- Rugged enclosure compatibility required for future IP67 rated outdoor installations
Solution
- Premio’s Mid Range Edge AI Computer (JCO-3000-ORN Series, Nano 4GB)
- NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano platform delivering up to 40 TOPS AI performance for robotic control and edge AI processing
- Four LAN ports, USB 3.2 Gen 2, RS-232/422/485, and CAN bus interfaces for robotics and sensor integration
- Ethernet connectivity with Peplink gateway for Starlink and cellular-based remote communications
- AWS IoT Greengrass certified edge computing platform
- Compact fanless design with -20°C to 60°C operating temperature support for reliable deployment inside IP67-rated outdoor enclosures
Benefits
- Reliable autonomous solar operations
- Faster edge-based decision making
- Scalable AI deployment capabilities
Company Overview
The company develops AI powered solar asset intelligence solutions that help renewable energy operators improve inspection, monitoring, and maintenance workflows. By combining robotics, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, the organization enables solar operators to better understand asset conditions and optimize site performance. Its continued innovation in autonomous systems and edge intelligence supports the future of more efficient renewable energy operations.
The Challenges
Supporting Autonomous Solar Robotics
The company needed a rugged edge computing platform to serve as the command-and-control system for robotic solutions deployed across solar projects. The system required reliable AI processing performance to support autonomous operations in remote field environments.
Processing Data Closer to the Source
Solar projects generate large volumes of data through sensors, drones, and human observations. The company required edge computing capabilities to process information closer to the source while supporting future AI-driven analysis workflows.
Enabling Complex Device Integration
The robotic systems required seamless communication between multiple connected devices and control systems. The company needed a platform with multiple LAN ports to simplify integration and maintain reliable field connectivity.
Maintaining Reliable Remote Connectivity
Solar deployments often operate in remote locations where network availability can be challenging. The system needed flexible wireless connectivity support through 4G/5G and Wi Fi while working alongside Peplink gateways using Starlink and cellular networks.
Preparing for Future AI Image Analysis
The company planned to expand its platform with edge AI capabilities for analyzing imagery collected from solar projects. The computing solution needed rugged durability and compatibility with an IP67 rated outdoor enclosure for future deployments.
The Solution
Premio’s Mid-Range Edge AI Computer, JCO-3000-ORN Series
Premio’s JCO-3000-ORN Series supported NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano and Orin NX modules, with the customer selecting the Orin Nano 4GB configuration to deliver up to 40 TOPS of AI performance for robotic command and control across solar projects. The edge AI computer provided the processing foundation needed for real-time field operations while supporting future AI-powered imagery analysis.
Multi-Device Connectivity for Solar Robotics Integration
With 4x GbE LAN ports, the JCO-3000-ORN Series provided flexible network connectivity for the solar deployment, including a dedicated Ethernet connection to the customer’s Peplink gateway for remote communications. The remaining LAN interfaces, along with USB 3.2 Gen 2, RS-232/422/485, and CAN bus interfaces, enabled integration with robotics systems, sensors, and other industrial field devices. This connectivity flexibility allowed the customer to consolidate multiple operational systems into a centralized edge AI platform for solar robotics workflows.
AWS IoT Greengrass Certified Edge Platform
The JCO-3000-ORN-B Series is AWS IoT Greengrass certified, enabling secure deployment of edge applications that communicate with cloud-based services. This certification supported the customer’s edge-to-cloud architecture by providing a trusted platform for running local workloads while maintaining integration with broader solar intelligence systems.
Rugged Edge Computing for Outdoor AI Applications
As the JCO-3000-ORN Series was designed for integration inside an IP67-rated outdoor enclosure, the system required industrial-grade reliability for demanding solar environments. Its compact fanless design and -20°C to 60°C operating temperature support enabled reliable operation in enclosed deployments while providing a durable foundation for future AI-powered solar imagery analysis.
The Benefits
Streamlined Field Deployments
Integration of robotics, sensors, and communication systems was simplified, enabling faster deployment across distributed solar projects.
Improved Operational Visibility
Real-time processing of field data helped enhance monitoring capabilities and support more responsive solar asset management.
Future-Ready AI Expansion
New AI-driven applications, including imagery analysis and advanced automation workflows, can be supported as solar intelligence capabilities continue to evolve.