Photovoltaic Environment Monitoring Station — Pricing and Selection Guide

Configure Photovoltaic Environment Monitoring Systems Scientifically to Maximize Power Plant Safety and Revenue 

1. What Is a Photovoltaic Environment Monitoring Station?

A photovoltaic environment monitoring station is a professional meteorological monitoring system designed for solar power plants.
It collects real-time environmental data to ensure safe operation, optimize power generation efficiency, and assist in maintenance management.

Main monitored parameters: air temperature and humidity, wind speed and direction, rainfall, air pressure, solar irradiance, radiation, and module surface temperature.

Unlike ordinary weather stations, PV monitoring stations are directly related to power generation performance and equipment safety. Parameters such as solar radiation, light intensity, and temperature gradients directly affect photovoltaic module efficiency.

2. Core Sensors and Functions

2.1. Temperature & Humidity Sensor

Function: Monitors air temperature and humidity for generation optimization and condensation control.

Principle: Capacitive or digital sensors output temperature and humidity data via acquisition modules. 

2.2. Wind Speed & Direction Sensor

Function: Measures wind speed and direction in real time to protect module arrays and mounting structures.

Principle: Ultrasonic or mechanical cup anemometers calculate airflow velocity and direction based on time or torque differences. 

2.3. Rainfall Sensor

Function: Assists drainage planning and cleaning schedule optimization. 

Principle: Tipping bucket or weighing rain gauges accumulate precipitation and output electrical signals. 

2.4. Solar Radiation & Light Sensor

Function: Monitors solar irradiance for generation efficiency evaluation.

Principle: Photoelectric sensors output voltage proportional to light intensity. 

2.5. Atmospheric Pressure Sensor 

Function: Helps detect weather changes and thunderstorm risks. 

Principle: MEMS or piezoelectric sensors output real-time pressure variations. 

2.6. Extended Sensors 

PM2.5/PM10 monitoring

PV module surface temperature monitoring 

Compatible with SCADA or cloud-based data platforms for system integration and upgrades 

3. Photovoltaic Monitoring Station Pricing Structure

The cost of a PV monitoring station varies depending on customization needs. Major influencing factors include: 

Number of monitored parameters: Core sensors include temperature, humidity, wind, rainfall, light, and radiation. Adding expansion modules increases cost. 

Sensor accuracy and brand: Research-grade or imported sensors are more expensive but offer long-term stability. 

Data communication method: 4G, LoRa, or NB-IoT modules differ in cost; cloud platforms and alarm systems add value. 

Plant scale and station count: Large-scale PV farms may deploy multiple monitoring stations — bulk purchase reduces per-unit cost. 

Power supply: Solar-powered systems with backup batteries are slightly more expensive than grid-powered ones.

Typical Price Range:

Core Configuration: RMB 8,000–15,000 per unit 

Mid-Range Configuration (with solar radiation and extensions): RMB 15,000–25,000 per unit 

High-End Configuration (high-precision sensors + cloud + remote alerts): RMB 25,000–50,000 per unit  

4. How to Choose the Right Photovoltaic Environment Monitoring Station

Define Plant Objectives: Ensure system safety, maximize energy yield, and enhance maintenance efficiency. 

Select Reliable Manufacturers: Prefer established brands with proven field experience.

Evaluate After-Sales & Support: Remote commissioning, calibration, maintenance, and spare part supply are essential. 

Check Data Platform Capability: Real-time visualization, trend analysis, historical comparison, and remote alarm support.

Assess Environmental Adaptability: System must withstand extreme heat, cold, humidity, wind, sand, and precipitation. 

Ensure Scalability: Modular design allows later expansion (e.g., PM2.5, temperature differentials, inverter data).

5. Data Visualization & Management System

Real-time cloud monitoring of temperature, humidity, wind, light, and radiation data

Provides trend curves, historical comparisons, and event records

Supports PC, mobile, and SCADA integration

Remote alerts notify operators immediately when anomalies occur 

6. Real-World Applications

Case 1: Mauritius Solar Power Plant

2 monitoring stations installed for temperature, humidity, wind, solar irradiance, and radiation monitoring

Data used for power optimization and preventive maintenance

Results: Equipment failure rate reduced by 15%; generation efficiency improved by 3% 

Case 2: Large-Scale PV Plant in India

8 stations equipped with module surface temperature sensors

Data supports cleaning schedule optimization and maintenance planning

Results: Maintenance costs reduced by 20%; generation efficiency improved by 4%

7. ROI (Return on Investment) Analysis

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the price fixed?

A: It varies based on configuration, sensor accuracy, communication mode, plant size, and power supply type.

Q2: Is installation complicated?

A: No — modular design allows quick setup on poles or ground mounts within 30 minutes.

Q3: How can I access the data?

A: Through the cloud platform, mobile app, or SCADA integration, with data export and trend analysis.

Q4: Can it be used in remote or off-grid locations?

A: Yes — solar power and low-power design enable stable off-grid operation.

Q5: Are maintenance costs high?

A: No — modular components are easy to replace and calibrate. Remote support and spare parts are available.

Q6: How many monitoring stations are needed per plant?

A: Generally, 1 station per 50–100 MW for core monitoring, plus additional units for key areas depending on terrain.

9. Niubol Photovoltaic Monitoring Station Advantages

Comprehensive Monitoring: temperature, humidity, wind, rainfall, solar radiation, irradiance, module temperature

High Protection Level: IP65+, waterproof, wind-resistant, UV-resistant

Solar Power Supply: low-power design, off-grid stable operation

Cloud Platform Visualization: real-time data, history trends, smart alarms 

Global Compatibility: modular design, SCADA-ready, flexible expansion 

Proven Reliability: stable operation in Mauritius, Bangladesh, India, Saudi Arabia, and other regions

10. Contact Niubol for a Customized PV Monitoring Solution

Request a tailored configuration

Download product brochure

Schedule a remote demo

Email: sales@niubol.com
Website: www.niubol.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +86 15367865107

Conclusion

A photovoltaic environment monitoring station is more than a weather device — it is the core tool for solar plant safety, efficiency, and smart operation.
By choosing the right configuration, precise sensors, and a reliable manufacturer, power plants can achieve maximum long-term ROI and minimal operational risk.

Niubol’s PV monitoring stations deliver accurate data, stable performance, cloud visualization, and modular scalability — providing professional, reliable, and sustainable monitoring solutions for solar power plants worldwide.

Pyranometer Solar Radiation Sensors data sheet

NBL-W-SRS-Solar-radiation-sensor-instruction-manual-V4.0.pdf

NBL-W-HPRS-Solar-Radiation-Sensor-Instruction-Manual-V3.0.pdf