Levels of Monitoring
1. Flying Blind 2. Direct Panel Testing with Multimeter 3. Hardware Readings
Inverters (on site/web interface) Smart Combiners Micro Inverters
4. Monitoring Service
Levels of Monitoring
Flying Blind
PROS: No expenditures for monitoring hardware and service, site maintenance, etc. CONS: No insight whatsoever into system performance Potential for sustained economic losses due to subpar generation Wont satisfy data reporting requirements No public-facing interface
Levels of Monitoring
Direct Panel Testing with Multimeter
PROS: Provides highly accurate info about generation at the panel level CONS: Highly expensive and timeconsuming process Potential for lost generation between site visits No insight into AC side data/inverter performance No ability to see system overview at a glance Wont satisfy data reporting requirements No public-facing interface
Levels of Monitoring
Hardware Readings
PROS: Avoid expenditure for monitoring service and added hardware Some manufacturers provide web-based interface CONS: Most devices require expensive site visit to gather readings Potential for lost generation between site visits (no alarms) Not revenue grade metering; wont satisfy data reporting requirements No ability to see system overview at a glance No public-facing interface
Levels of Monitoring
Monitoring Service
PROS: See performance of entire system/multiple systems at a glance Convenience of web-based interface Discover issues/locate problem areas quickly Many monitoring providers offer revenue-grade data Many providers offer publicfacing Dashboard Many providers offer tech support services CONS: Extra up-front cost for project Additional hardware installation process
Why Monitor?
Gateway
Prepares data for web publication Pushes data out to web through local connection or cellular modem Requires configuration to send data to correct server address
Admin Panel
Tools for O&M Secure password-protected interface
Dashboard
Intended for general public Ideal tool to generate Green PR
Gauges display real-time system generation numbers Basic graphs to engage and educate the public
Inverter Communications
Allows you to see information from all system inverters side by side with other system data
Get inverter fault codes and production data through web interface For most projects, saves time and money vs. site visits to retrieve inverter readings
May be necessary where local web networks include substantial security software/firewalls (military, government, etc)
Requires separate data plan from cellular service provider (customer responsibility)