Use of aerial platforms in the renewable energy sector

The crossover between technology and sustainability

The use of aerial platforms in the renewable energy sector represents a strategic meeting point between technological innovation and sustainability. These machines offer practical, efficient solutions for operations that require interventions at height, often in complex conditions, difficult to reach positions or on large structures. Thanks to their versatility, safety and ease of use, aerial platforms are proving to be valuable allies in all stages of the life of a renewable facility: installation, inspection, maintenance and upgrading.

The role of aerial platforms in photovoltaic power stations

Photovoltaic power stations, both on a large scale and on industrial or residential buildings, require precise and continuous interventions to ensure optimal performance. Self-propelled, tracked or truck-mounted aerial platforms lend themselves perfectly to operations such as:

• Installation of solar panels on roofs or elevated structures;
• Cleaning and periodic maintenance of photovoltaic modules, which may require access to extensive, inclined surfaces;
• Thermographic inspections with the help of drones or portable tools to identify any malfunctioning panels, often in combination with the use of the platform;
• Repair or replacement of electrical and mechanical components .

In this area, the compactness and lightness of some aerial platforms – such as those with an articulated crawler arm, a speciality of CMC – offer a significant advantage by providing access to narrow or delicately paved areas without damaging them.

Wind energy: height, accessibility and safety

When it comes to wind energy, the importance of aerial platforms is even more evident. Wind turbines can exceed 100 metres in height, with blades up to 60 metres long. An aerial platform is often the only safe, quick and less expensive alternative to the use of industrial cranes or climbers, for the maintenance of these impressive structures.

The main operations include:

• Inspection of the blades and nacelles;
• Cleaning and painting of surfaces subject to corrosion;
• Repair of cracks or structural damage caused by extreme weather events;
• Replacement of high-altitude electronic or mechanical components .

The aerial platforms used in this context must guarantee stability, high load capacity and wind resistance, as well as being able to operate on terrain that is rough or inaccessible to traditional machines. CMC tracked platforms, for example, offer automatic levelling, remote controls , and the ability to work on unstable slopes or surfaces, making them ideal for remote and difficult wind environments.

Hydroelectric and geothermal plants: efficiency in complex areas

Although less visually spectacular, hydroelectric and geothermal plants present significant operational challenges. Often located in mountain valleys, wooded or geologically unstable areas, they require the intervention of compact, agile machinery.

Aerial platforms are used for the:

• Inspection and maintenance of dams and penstocks;
• Installation work on rock walls or steep slopes;
• Ventilation and electrical systems inside underground power plants.

In these contexts, mobility on difficult terrain, stability in confined places and operational autonomy are key elements. CMC offers electric and hybrid platforms, silent and low emissions, perfect for operating in closed or protected environments.

Aerial platforms and sustainability: a concrete synergy

A crucial aspect to underline is that the use of aerial platforms is not limited to supporting the energy transition: it contributes to making activities more environmentally friendly and safe. Here are some key benefits:

1. Reduction of environmental impact

The new CMC platforms are designed to consume less fuel, with full-electric or hybrid models minimising CO₂ emissions. In addition, thanks to thehigh operational efficiency, working times are shortened, further reducing the environmental impact of the construction sites.

2. Increased safety

Working at height in the renewable energy sector presents significant risks, especially in the presence of wind, rain or uneven terrain. Aerial platforms offer stability, built-in safety devices, user-friendly controls, and self-diagnostic systems to minimise accidents.

3. Efficiency and productivity

Compared to other methods of access at height, platforms allow you to quickly reach high points, also transporting equipment and materials. This translates into less downtime, faster interventions and therefore greater profitability of the intervention.

4. Adaptability and versatility

Each renewable system has its own specific needs. CMC platforms, with models that vary in operating height, reach, capacity and traction type, are designed to adapt to a variety of scenarios: from urban rooftops to rural spaces and offshore wind structures.

Concrete cases and real-life applications

To better understand the value of aerial platforms in the renewable sector, it is useful to analyse some real-life applications:

Case 1: Offshore wind turbine maintenance

In the North Sea, some companies use aerial platforms installed on support vessels to inspect and repair offshore wind turbines. The platforms are fixed on stabilised bridges and, thanks to self-levellingtechnology, they are able to keep the operator stable even in choppy seas.

Case 2: Installation of photovoltaic systems on industrial roofs

In Italy, a company used CMC S23 platforms to install over 2,000 solar panels on a 20,000 m² warehouse. The height, agility and ability to work in confined spaces allowed the work to be completed in 30% less time than using scaffolding or cranes.

Case 3: Inspection and cleaning of hydroelectric dams

In Switzerland, specialised teams use compact crawler platforms to reach critical points of dams located at high altitudes. The platforms are transported by helicopters and then, used for visual inspections and safe cleaning work.

The added value of CMC: innovation, reliability and green vision

CMC has always been synonymous with excellence in the aerial platform industry. With a comprehensive and constantly evolving range, the company stands out for its ability to anticipate market needs, developing solutions tailored to each application, including the renewable energy sector.

Some of the strengths of CMC platforms for this industry include:

• Advanced technology for remote control, diagnostics and safety;
• Compactness and ease of transport, ideal for areas that are isolated or difficult to access;
• Hybrid and electric engines, in compliance with environmental regulations;
• Technical consulting and customisationservices, to meet specific needs.

CMC is already a partner of numerous operators in the green sector and is increasingly investing in sustainable solutions and strategic partnerships with renewable system engineering companies, actively contributing to building a cleaner and safer future.

The exponential growth of renewable energy brings with it new technical and logistical challenges, but also huge opportunities for those who, like CMC, know how to respond with technology, competence and long-term vision. Aerial platforms are now a fundamental part of this changing ecosystem, enabling safer, faster and more sustainable interventions.

Supporting clean energy does not only mean producing it: it also means working with tools that respect the environment, improving working conditions and optimising every step of the process. And in this scenario, CMC aerial platforms are set to be one of the silent but indispensable protagonists of the green revolution.