PV Solar systems
Solar parks represent a pivotal aspect of renewable energy infrastructure, varying in scale and application to meet diverse energy demands. Together, these solar park configurations play a vital role in driving the transition towards sustainable energy systems.
Reliable and high-quality energy supply
Due to their dependency on weather conditions such as shading, temperature, or even rain or snow the energy output of solar parks varies over time. To ensure a stable power grid, it is inevitable to closely monitor and analyze energy supply as well as power quality.
Harmonics
Harmonics are induced by power electronic devices utilized in renewable energy generation.
When the penetration level of renewable energy is high, the influence of harmonics can be significant.
Active and reactive energy monitoring
In addition to power quality monitoring, the performance monitoring of the energy generation is the key factor.
In control systems, the operator usually only sees the total power input and output, but not in which area of the park the most or the least power is generated.
Fluctuations of voltage and frequency
Voltage and frequency fluctuations at the interconnected power grid are caused by the volatility of renewable energy resources, due to ever-changing weather conditions. In the low-voltage grid, voltage fluctuations are caused by rapid fluctuations in the PV system power output due to cloud transients. The larger the number of photovoltaics systems, the more important it is.
Voltage fluctuations and flicker can cause damage to electrical devices connected to the grid, and light flicker can cause annoyance and health problems for people who are exposed to it.
Critical instruments and environment
Integrating PV system to the utility grid increases the risk of a short circuit in the grid. Short circuit faults occur due to faults in the voltage channels caused by either direct or indirect contact. The short circuit endangers human safety, leads to power supply failures and damage to equipment.
Once a circuit breaker or main circuit breaker (MCB)’s trips, the reset is possible, and production continues. However, it is important to know and analyze the cause to avoid major damage and downtime.
It is also important to record the environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity that may have an impact.
Benefits of PV monitoring
Photovoltaics serve as a renewable source of energy. Yet, in order to maximize the efficiency and quality of the energy produced by PV systems, close monitoring of the entire system is essential.
Maximize your solar power production
- PV monitoring provides insights into the electricity output of your solar panels (kWh). Additionally, it maintains a record of the cumulative power generated over time, enabling historical performance analysis and comparison with past readings to identify any fluctuations between different time periods.
- Every inverter comes equipped with a built-in production monitoring feature.
Understand fluctuations in your energy bill
- PV monitoring reveals the amount of electricity your solar panels export to the grid, and how much they import from it, offering insight into any earned or utilized credits.
- This feature is especially beneficial for those with net metering agreements, enabling precise tracking of solar panel-generated power allocation during each billing period.
Increase your solar self-consumption
- PV monitoring enables solar power users to maximize their self-consumption by providing real-time data on energy production and usage patterns.
- By identifying peak production times and aligning energy-intensive activities accordingly, homeowners and businesses can use more of the solar energy they generate, thus reducing reliance on the grid and lowering energy costs.
Get the complete overview and analysis
- Advanced third-party monitoring systems and applications use smart algorithms to interpret consumption and performance data and deliver it in a practical, actionable way. They allow you to get more value from your solar system and give you a more comprehensive view of your energy profile.
- High-quality monitoring systems are equipped to determine the expected performance levels of your panels and inverter. By utilizing local weather data, these systems have the capability to detect instances of poor or nil output from your solar system, promptly notifying the operator.
- Good monitoring systems offer comprehensive user input options for electricity rates, including daily supply charges, time-of-use tariffs, weekday versus weekend rates, solar feed-in tariffs, and more. They might analyze available energy plans in the market and automatically identify the optimal plan for your needs.
Applications for PV parks
Janitza electronics provides basic energy analyzers suitable for seamless retrofit integration into existing facilities, alongside comprehensive monitoring solutions designed for new projects.
Janitza devices are designed for the central applications and functions in the PV for on-grid and off-grid measurements, such as measurement and monitoring for active / reactive power, voltage regulations and optional monitoring and communication with local smart logger or local visualization. Depending on the size of the PV park different applications need to be installed:
Differences of large, medium and local PV parks
Large PV parks (MW capacity)
with power analyzer and EMS with smart monitoring systems
Large PV parks, typically ranging into MW capacity, serve as significant contributors to grid-scale renewable energy generation, employing advanced technologies for optimal performance. Typical applications in large-scale PV parks are:
- Power quality measurement for transformer stations
- Monitoring of power generation and feedings with GridVis® power grid monitoring software
- Voltage regulations with UMG PRO device
- Power factor measurement & monitoring
- Communication with general control systems and monitoring software
Medium PV parks (30 kW – 800 kW)
with on-grid and off-grid solutions
Medium-sized PV parks, with capacities between 30 kW and 800 kW, offer adaptable solutions with both on-grid and off-grid capabilities, catering to various industrial, commercial, and community needs. Typical applications for private and commercial park operators are:
- Local power quality measurement for active / reactive power
- Voltage regulations with UMG PRO device
- Communication with general control systems and monitoring software
- Power factor measurement & monitoring
Local PV system (10 kW – 30 kW)
with on-grid and off-grid solutions
On a smaller scale, local PV systems ranging from 10 kW to 30 kW provide accessible on-grid and off-grid options, ideal for decentralized energy generation in residential areas or remote locations. At these locations, typical applications are:
- Local power quality measurement for active / reactive power
- Voltage regulations with UMG PRO device
- Energy and power measurements
- Visualization through device homepage in the PRO series devices (No EMS software needed)
- Power factor measurement & monitoring
