1. Solar plant monitoring:
A standards-based approach to evaluate
and improve performance
By: Mr. Ioannis Grammatikakis
MSc, MBA, Senior Product Manager

2. Monitoring of solar plants based on international standards
Optimal performance
Uninterrupted operation
top priorities for investors
and stakeholders of
solar energy sector
Solar plant monitoring: A standard based approach to evaluate and improve performance
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3. Monitoring of solar plants based on international standards
Monitoring and control of solar plant, using an International Standard ensures:
consistency
reproducibility
repeatability
data quality
across PV plants with different equipment and different conditions
The International Standard IEC 61724 recommends procedures for:
the calculation of Key Performance
Indicators (KPIs) for PV installations
Solar plant monitoring: A standard based approach to evaluate and improve performance
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4. Using KPIs to evaluate and improve performance
By comparing a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) over a long time
period and across different sections of a plant the operator can have
a clear idea of the effect of:
local topology
local climate
technology factors
time
By monitoring specific parameters, important evaluation criteria can be extracted such as:
the tolerance of rated power
aging of modules
reflection losses
soiling
shadowing
thermal losses
wiring losses
inverter and transformer efficiencies
MPP tracking performance
Solar plant monitoring: A standard based approach to evaluate and improve performance
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5. The effect of temperature on module efficiency
with field collected data
Solar plant monitoring: A standard based approach to evaluate and improve performance
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6. Alarming based on standard KPIs
Calculate KPI
Alarming based on user defined thresholds
Solar plant operator
Communicated – Interpreted – Solved!
Alarms' thresholds must be attentively calibrated so as to avoid frustration and
careless handling of problems related to the PV plant
Solar plant monitoring: A standard based approach to evaluate and improve performance
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7. Fault detection utilizing the PR
Performance Ratio
enables
comparison of PV systems of different configurations
and at different locations
PR indicates the overall effect of losses on the array’s
nominal energy output due to:
array temperature
incomplete utilization of
irradiation
system component
inefficiencies
failures
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8. Fault detection utilizing the PR
Inverter 15 was
under-performing on a
specific day. With PR low
threshold system to 75%,
the system sent an alarm
notification.
Solar plant monitoring: A standard based approach to evaluate and improve performance
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9. Fault detection utilizing the PR
The problem was
restored.
All inverters are
performing equally well
Solar plant monitoring: A standard based approach to evaluate and improve performance
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10. For further info, please contact:
Mr. Angelos Koronias
M: akoronias@inaccess.com
T: +30 210 68 02 300
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