‘Invisible’ generation losses are a threat to the profitability of a solar power plant. It may seem that a solar power plant is operating at full capacity, but there are hidden, ‘undetectable’ problems that can affect the performance. To identify possible causes of under-generation, the KNESS service team uses a comprehensive approach. For monitoring, it has its own dispatch center along with an analytics department and a PV.SCADA system, where the main performance indicators of the solar power plant are displayed in real time. Regular preventive technical inspections of facilities, including thermal imaging inspections and laboratory measurements, are also mandatory. Such an approach allows us to identify problems in a timely manner to prevent possible technical malfunctions.
How to recognize symptoms indicating undergeneration? According to KNESS technical specialists, first and foremost, you should pay attention to the following data:
- Performance Ratio (PR)
PR is one of the key indicators of SPP’s effectiveness (if there is a weather station or separate means for monitoring and analyzing meteorological conditions). Failure to meet this indicator by at least 3% per month is a reason for equipment diagnostics and analytics to be performed. - Data on the operation of identical objects or components
A similar operation of components with identical configurations is considered normal. If anomalies are observed at the level of transformer substations, neighboring inverters, or strings connected to a single inverter, this indicates occasional or systemic problems:
- uneven contamination of panels
- degradation of some modules (hot-spots)
- shading of panels due to high vegetation, fencing, etc.
- equipment failure due to cooling system problems or other abnormal situations
- Non-compliance with the PVsyst forecast for a specific region
Comparing actual generation data from several sites in the region with a simulation model allows you to track the efficiency of the SPP. If the actual generation at the SPP during the month is lower than the simulated one, this is a warning sign of possible equipment malfunction, degradation, or improper operation.
All these evidences of undergeneration can be prevented through regular inspections with the use of thermal imaging equipment and timely scheduled preventive maintenance. In addition, it is possible to monitor them remotely. For example, using the software and hardware complex PV.SCADA by KNESS. The system displays the PR indicator, equipment performance analytics for the entire period of system operation, and generation data. Instant automated notifications of any deviations in the operation of strings or connection blocks allow you to reduce the response time to the problem.
At the same time, a professional and experienced team of technical specialists, who have all the necessary equipment, will help to conduct a high-quality audit and correctly identify the root cause of undergeneration. In particular, during a comprehensive SPP audit, the KNESS team performs thermal imaging inspection, checks the general condition of the equipment, as well as compliance with the required operating standards, and, if necessary, analyzes generation for the previous period.
Delegate full control over the efficiency of your energy assets to the KNESS team.
We are already trusted by owners of power facilities with a total capacity of 1.5 GW. We have 10 years of experience, our own dispatch center, our own certified electrical laboratory, special equipment, and a team of narrow-profile specialists. We adhere to international standards and provide both individual services and a full range of work under O&M contracts, maintaining solar and wind power stations, substations, and energy storage facilities.
Systematic and professional maintenance of energy assets is a key prerequisite for your consistent profits.
Learn more about KNESS’s O&M services at: https://kness.energy/en/operations-maintenance/
