Insights

All Bright Sunday solar PV systems are connected in real-time to a unified monitoring system. We also measure the solar irradiation for each system using a top-tier satellite system.

When monitoring solar PV systems we are capturing and following up on minimum 200 data points every 5th minute. In some cases it can be more than 500 data points. All the systems are connected via the 5G networks. The data is transmitted via a secure VPN tunnel to our monitoring system where we compare it to the solar irradiation data we get from a satellite based system. 

“We want to know exactly how much the system should produce at every moment and compare it to the actual weather and time. If it doesn’t deliver the energy we expect it to deliver an alarm is triggered”, says Bright Sundays CTO Niclas Martinsson. 

“We capture all this data to ensure that we deliver the savings and the carbon free energy we have planned for. It is all about maximizing the savings and carbon free energy to the customer. It’s also our way of making sure we are a solid long term supplier for existing and new customers”, continues Niclas Martinsson. 

5 reasons why detailed real time data creates a win-win situation.  

1. Maximize Energy Production. Real-time monitoring ensures that the solar PV system operates at maximum efficiency. Detailed data helps identify issues such as shading, dirt accumulation, or component failures. By being able to take correct and fast actions we maximize energy output, savings and carbon reductions. 

2. Enhance Maintenance. Continuous monitoring provides insights into the health status of the systems. It gives us data to do predictive and cost efficient maintenance. The sooner we can identify issues the better we can schedule maintenance to prevent major problems, reduce downtime, and extend the system’s lifespan.

3. Improve Safety. Real-time monitoring detects unsafe conditions like electrical faults or overheating. Less risk for fire and creating a safe environment for both equipment and personnel.

4. Manage Energy Flow Efficiently. For systems integrated with energy storage or connected to the grid, real-time data is crucial. It helps balance supply and demand and make informed decisions about energy management, enhancing overall efficiency and reliability.

5. Support Data-Driven Decisions. Real-time measurements provide valuable data for improving system design and operation. Analyzing performance data helps optimize panel placement, guide re-investments, choose the best hardware and ensure accurate production estimates. 

Note. In addition to real time data it’s also important with on-site analysis, e.g. drone footage with infrared head cameras, checking physical security and quality regarding connectors, cabling and mountings, etc.