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Boosting utility-scale PV plant efficiency: the critical role of MET stations

Published in: Solar, Digital Blog

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PowerWise Solar’s Role in Enhancing Utility-Scale PV Plant Efficiency with MET Stations

PowerWise Solar, led by CEO Carsten M. Steenberg, is a key player in advancing the efficiency of utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) plants through the use of meteorological (MET) stations. These stations are designed to monitor essential parameters like irradiance, temperature, and soiling, and their data helps improve operational efficiency, plan maintenance, and reduce risks in solar energy projects.

Importance of MET Stations

MET stations are crucial for utility-grade PV plants as they offer real-time data that assists in performance monitoring and forecasting. They help identify issues early and ensure the plants operate optimally. MET stations are used not only for monitoring current conditions but also for historical analysis and forecasting, contributing to improved long-term efficiency.

MET Station Setup and Components

PowerWise’s MET stations come in various configurations depending on the plant size, including smaller installations with tripod-mounted stations and larger ones using 10-foot towers. These stations are fitted with a variety of sensors to measure parameters like Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), Plane of Array (POA) irradiance, temperature, and wind speed.

For large plants, PowerWise uses self-powered stations during the pre-construction phase to gather data for solar resource assessment, ensuring accurate site evaluations.

Real-Time Data and Communication

The data collected by MET stations is transmitted using Modbus TCP, facilitating efficient communication with the plant's SCADA system. This allows operators to make informed decisions in real-time, ensuring that adjustments can be made swiftly to optimize plant operations.

Benefits for Operation & Maintenance

Real-time monitoring by MET stations helps with proactive maintenance, soiling analysis, and optimal cleaning schedules. It also ensures that the solar panels’ performance remains high and that any potential issues are addressed quickly.

Technological Advances

IoT integration and advanced data analytics have improved the functionality of MET stations, offering predictive insights for maintenance and optimization strategies. The future of MET stations includes wireless technology, enhanced data analytics, and seamless integration with smart grids, improving both performance and cybersecurity.

Case Study: Jicarilla Apache Nation Advanced Energy Center 1 Solar PV Park

PowerWise’s work with Repsol on the Jicarilla 1 Solar Project highlights their expertise. They provided a tailored MET solution for the project, integrating a range of advanced sensors to address the challenging desert environment. The project exceeded expectations by meeting performance needs despite extreme weather conditions, showcasing PowerWise’s capability in adapting to client requests and ensuring the success of large-scale solar projects.

In conclusion, PowerWise Solar’s commitment to high-quality, flexible MET station solutions significantly enhances the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of utility-scale PV plants.

Read the full article here:https://pes.eu.com/exclusive-article/boosting-utility-scale-pv-plant-efficiency-the-critical-role-of-met-stations/

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