The Case for Solar Monitoring

Levels of Monitoring
1.Flying Blind 2.Direct Panel Testing with Multimeter 3.Hardware Readings
Inverters (on site/web interface) Smart Combiners Micro Inverters

4.Monitoring Service

Levels of Monitoring
Flying Blind
PROS: No expenditures for monitoring hardware and service, site maintenance, etc. CONS: No insight whatsoever into system performance Potential for sustained economic losses due to sub-par generation Wont satisfy data reporting requirements No public-facing interface

Levels of Monitoring
Direct Panel Testing with Multimeter
PROS: Provides highly accurate info about generation at the panel level CONS: Highly expensive and time-consuming process Potential for lost generation between site visits No insight into AC side data/inverter performance No ability to see system overview at a glance Wont satisfy data reporting requirements No public-facing interface

Levels of Monitoring
Hardware Readings
PROS: Avoid expenditure for monitoring service and added hardware Some manufacturers provide web-based interface CONS: Most devices require expensive site visit to gather readings Potential for lost generation between site visits (no alarms) Not revenue grade metering; wont satisfy data reporting requirements No ability to see system overview at a glance

Levels of Monitoring
Monitoring Service
PROS: See performance of entire system/multiple systems at a glance Convenience of webbased interface Discover issues/locate problem areas quickly Many monitoring providers offer revenuegrade data Many providers offer public-facing Dashboard Many providers offer tech support services CONS: Extra up-front cost for project Additional hardware installation process

Why Monitor?

Solar Power Systems as Investments

Performance Ratio and the Bottom Line

Potential Causes of Diminished Performance Ratio

Downtime Loss Scenarios

(Data from SolarPRO Magazine -- 500 kW system in Washington DC)

The Basics of Solar Monitoring Service

Hardware for Basic Monitoring

CTs (Current Transformers)

Placed around wiring coming out of inverter Measures AC current coming out of inverter Wired into meter

Revenue Grade Meter

Revenue grade metering is desirable Must be compatible with all reporting devices Industry is standardizing to Modbus protocol

Gateway
Prepares data for web publication Pushes data out to web through local connection or cellular modem Requires configuration to send data to correct server address

Software for Basic Monitoring

Admin Panel
Tools for O&M Secure password-protected interface

Dashboard
Intended for general public Ideal tool to generate Green PR
Gauges display real-time system generation numbers Basic graphs to engage and educate the public

Your system in sync with Mother Nature

See your energy savings

Expanded Monitoring Functions

Inverter Allows you to see Communications information from all

system inverters side by side with other system data Get inverter fault codes and production data through web interface For most projects, saves time and money vs. site visits to retrieve inverter

Environmental Sensors (Weather Station)

May include: Irradiance sensor (plane of array) Irradiance sensor (global) Ambient temperature Panel temperature Wind speed Wind direction Barometric pressure Humidity Mounting hardware

Environmental Sensors (Weather Station)

Recommended: Irradiance sensor (plane of array) enables best metrics to measure system performance: irradiance vs. kWh (only way to account for varied weather conditions) High panel temperatures can lead to diminished generation Wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, humidity: all less valuable data points Beware of low price, low quality devices!

Granular Monitoring Options (DC side) Sub-array (Zone) Monitoring:

Divides your array into several independently reporting nodes. Each zone requires individual meter device. Each zone meter is separate data reporting charge. String Monitoring: Each string of panels becomes an independently reporting node. Strings are brought together at smart combiner boxes, where each string is metered independently. Each string is separate data reporting charge.

Analytical Power You Can See

The Granular Monitoring Solution

Monitoring Level Comparison

Special Needs: Wireless Data Communications

Avoid cost for digging trenches, etc

Special Needs: Cellular Modems

Replaces local network connection Necessary for remote project locations May be necessary where local web networks include substantial security software/firewalls (military, government, etc) Requires separate data plan from cellular service provider (customer responsibility)

Special Needs: Display Monitors

Static display Interactive display (requires keyboard or touch screen) Ideal for academic environments or for businesses/organizations with green PR initiatives Can be useful tool to encourage energy conservation efforts

Associated Services: System Planning/Engineering

Hardware device selection One-line wiring diagrams Expert help for less experienced system planners Ensures all hardware devices will communicate with one another Helps to avoid common problems and delays for installer

Associated Services: Installation

Hands-off advisory service Full installation service

Associated Services: Third Party Data Reporting

Mandatory in some markets (CA, MA) in order to collect utility rebates/ other performance-based incentives

Installing a Monitoring System

Materials Needed for Installation

Installer should bring the following materials to assist in the installation process: Laptop computer Digital multimeter Wire and conduit necessary for installation Small flathead and phillips head screwdrivers Ethernet patch cable A small router or hub

Correct Electrical Wiring

RS485/Modbus RTU Wiring Standards Devices should be networked as a single bus Network should originate from a single Bus Master device Network shall include cable termination per Modbus protocol specifications Network wiring shall be executed with appropriate cable Devices that induce noise into the Modbus network shall each require one RS-485 Optical Isolator More info at www.modbus.org

Correct Electrical Wiring

Placing the CTs

There is a label on the CT that says Source Side. Orient this side of the CT towards the inverter, the AC combiner, or the power source you are monitoring (not the grid). The accuracy of the CT readings depends on the conductor being centered in the CT window. Where the CT falls loosely on the conductor, use electrical tape to center the conductor. Secure the end caps of split

Correct Power Sources Always consult manufacturer spec sheets to

determine appropriate voltage for each powered device

Some systems may require multiple power sources

Establishing Web Communications

Structure of Web Networks
Web communications for monitoring system should go through web network at project site (except in cases where cellular modem is used) Web network at project site is controlled by network owner, not by monitoring service provider Problems arising from firewalls and security software must be resolved with an IT representative employed by the local network administrator

Establishing Web Communications

Configuring Gateway for Web Communication
Installers will need the following list of items before starting the configuration process: Valid IP address for your network Subnet Mask Gateway IP address DNS IP address