A range of monitoring equipment and data collection systems are available for grid-connected and off-grid PV systems. Monitoring system performance is invaluable for detecting under-performing and faulty equipment. In large systems, monitoring is essential, since undetected system failures or under-performance can lead to considerable revenue losses.
In a grid-connected PV system, energy output can be checked regularly at the meter or inverter. However, more detailed information is required to assist with fault finding.
Typical performance indicators monitored include:
- Power output of PV module arrays (with reference to solar irradiation levels).
- Battery state of charge over time in off-grid systems and back-up systems.
PV inverter display showing power output, 1302 W; daily energy output, 14.75 kWh; and total energy output since the system was installed, 196.42 MWh.
Radiation sensor at a solar power plant. Source: SMA Solar Technology AG.
Monitoring systems fall into the following general categories:
- Energy meters
- Monitoring integrated into equipment such as PV inverters, other inverters and solar charge controllers
- Equipment-specific monitoring, specific to particular PV inverters, charge controllers and battery inverters/inverter-chargers, with remote monitoring
- Monitoring systems that can be used with a range of system types, also with remote monitoring
Many companies offer remote monitoring services over the internet.
priligy seratonin Several of these findings have sufficient supporting evidence for functional significance or biologic plausibility, and many are sufficiently common that they provide real potential for translation into diagnostic, preventive, or therapeutic interventions