Chapter III-3 - PV System Monitoring

Abstract

Displays are the backbone of monitoring. The easiest to fit is a simple indication as part of the inverter. Most photovoltaic (PV) inverter manufacturers offer an optional display. However, this can place severe constraints on the placing of the inverter, which would normally be in a roof void, electrical switch room, or some other secluded place. If the display is to be effective it must be in a place, where it is visible in everyday activities. Performance verification requires only simple measurements of input and output; there is no limit to the variables that may be of interest in a complex system. Since standard systems are well understood, there is little need to monitor except where new technology or systems are being utilized. Interim measurements throughout the system are required to evaluate the component efficiencies and to understand their characteristics. Many PV inverter manufacturers offer hardware and software to create a monitoring system to display the functioning of a system. These have the advantage of being well tested and robust. However, they are not easy to modify, and so cannot often meet a very focused specification such as is required for some national programs.