The global shift towards renewable energy is driven by the urgent need to address severe weather impact, reduce carbon emissions, and secure a sustainable energy future. Among the renewable energy technologies, solar power stands out for its potential to provide clean, abundant, and increasingly cost-effective energy. However, to maximize the efficiency and reliability of solar power systems, robust monitoring and performance assessment are essential. This is where solar monitoring systems and standards like IEC 61724 play a crucial role. In this article, we will explore the evolution of solar monitoring, the significance of environmental monitoring within this context, and the impact of IEC 61724 on the industry.
In the early stages of solar energy deployment, monitoring systems were rudimentary. Initial efforts were primarily focused on basic parameters such as power output, voltage, and current. Data collection was often manual, making it time consuming and prone to errors. These early monitoring systems lacked the sophistication needed to provide comprehensive insights into the performance and health of solar installations.