At a cost of about Rs 15 crores per MW, solar PV developers will do well to ensure that they install some critical support systems to ensure that they get the most bang for the buck.
Of special focus for them should be monitoring systems. What are these monitoring systems, how do they work and what specific benefits do they provide to the solar power generator?
Solar PV Monitoring Systems Defined
What is PV Monitoring?
A PV monitoring system essentially involves
Our specialty focus areas include 
- Capturing the power plant/system performance indicators
- Analyzing the plant/system performance indicators
- Identifying the problems affecting the performance of the PV power plant
- Reconfiguring/Re-calibrating the plant as required, eliminating the performance bottleneck.
The first is done using sensors/meters and data loggers. Quite a few data loggers and inverters have the ability to export data and let the operators look at it visually over the web. However, when it comes to analyzing and identifying the problems, it is predominately manual. Reconfiguring based on the feedback is the last stage.
How does it work?
Principle: The output of a solar panel, essentially current and voltage, are stored in the memory of an inverter. These stored values are sent to a central control unit. Now using different means of communication channels like Ethernet, Internet, dial up access, GSM etc. the data is transmitted to a server from where alerts are status messages are sent to the users via SMS, email etc.
Thus, the core parameters measured are:
Array voltage
Grid voltage
Array current
Grid (injected) current
Array power
Grid (injected) power
Apart from the above, the following are also measured and conveyed by the monitoring system:
- Module temperature
- Ambient temperature
- Solar radiation – (W/m2)
- Daily/monthly solar insolation – (J/m2)
- Wind speed
There are basically two types of monitoring.
1) Local monitoring
The most simple inverter check (monitoring) can be performed by reading values on display – display is part of almost each grid-connected inverter. Other possibilities of local monitoring includes monitoring by local PC via RS232 connection and/or remote display located in living room.
The parameters can usually be monitored, data logged and stored in inverter’s memory or external data logger for particular time (up to 1 year usually). Sometimes additional sensor related units (external or internal) are also required
2) Remote monitoring
Remote control and communication between inverters can be realized with RS485 connection or via grid (powerline connection). Distances up to 1200 m represents no problem, several tenth inverters can be connected in chain and monitored at the same time. For remote monitoring different ways of communication can be used: Ethernet, Internet, dial up access, GSM etc. The system can send alerts and status messages to the control center or user. Alerts and system messages can be send by SMS service, GSM, fax machine etc.
The sophisticated systems today that are used for remote monitoring can measure beyond just voltage and current – Module and ambient temperature, Solar radiation, wind speed etc.
Benefits of PV monitoring
The typical monitoring software that comes does a reasonable job of identifying the gross level under performance. But, plants can definitely benefit from more advanced monitoring solutions. Some benefits are
1) Able to see change in the performance and raise a flag before the problem actually happens.
2) Monitors not only performance of the plant but also the health of various components.
3) Helps the plant owners identify any warranty breach so that they can get compensation from the manufacturers.
Check out: EAI Consulting for Solar Energy – Solar PV & Solar Thermal
we can provide the monitoring and energy metering systems for the PV plants varous paramters. Please write to me for interested parties in this matter
Plz fwd me details reg solar pv monitoring system
Dear Vinod ,
we are providing remote monitoring system
where you can see live data in your computer or mobile
also we have alarm system . Historical Data.
if you need anything like that then you can contact with us by the mobile number +91 9098646524
Dear Sir,
We are the EPC contractor for Solar PV power plant based in Mumbai.
We are having a requirement of Data logger for Solar PV plant, which can monitor the parameters of Solar Inverter .
If you deal with such kind of data logger then please contact us ASAP.
Regards,
Chetan Halkara
9920998099
we want solar pv monitoring system detailed spec and best price.we want to purchase
Dear Sir, You can please share your enquiry at gurdeep.juneja@webdyn.com or can call at +91 7042811647regarding your requirement of Data Logger for Solar Remote Monitoring.
Rgrds
we need 500 units of data monitering devices…for zeversolar for port rs485modus operated…budget is around 2500 per unit.
I badly needed a software and monitoring system for our new 1.2MW,
for 20 SMA inverters. Pls. provide System architecture, components and itemize price list urgently possibly tomorrow.
thanks,
june
Webdyn is a french company (In India Based in New Delhi) having the quality Data Logger to meet your any sort of Remote Solar Monitoring & basic control requirements.
For more details please contact at: +91 7042811647
Dear Sir,
We are looking for REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM for existing solar inverter which can be show solar voltage, solar current, solar wattage, output voltage, output current, output wattage, etc. remotely on the internet.
We are having grid tied inverters from 1 kw to 50 kw, but we are not having RMS for those.
So we need a external device which can show the data remotely.
Kindly share the details if you are having the same. its urgent.
Arun Aher
7447767073