​Small Grid-Connected PV Weather Station

Small Grid-Connected PV Weather Station: The Intelligent Guardian of Photovoltaic Power Plants 

Definition and Overview 

A small grid-connected PV weather station is an integrated environmental monitoring system that combines high-precision sensors, data acquisition, intelligent analysis, and remote monitoring capabilities, exclusively designed for photovoltaic power plants. It continuously collects critical data around the PV plant, including total solar irradiance, hours of sunshine, ambient temperature & humidity (in radiation shield), wind speed & direction, atmospheric pressure, and geographical location. These data provide a scientific basis for plant operation, generation efficiency evaluation, and O&M management. 

More than just a data collector, the PV weather station serves as an “intelligent guardian” by enabling automatic PV panel angle adjustment, risk prediction, and preventive maintenance to ensure safe, stable, and high-efficiency operation of the power station.

 Working Principle of PV Weather Station 

The core principles include: 

1. Solar Irradiance Measurement  

   Uses photodiode or thermopile sensors to measure global horizontal irradiance (GHI), direct normal irradiance (DNI), diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI), and plane-of-array (POA) irradiance. Combined with an automatic sun-tracking system and GPS positioning for high-precision data acquisition. 

2. Temperature, Humidity & Atmospheric Pressure Measurement  

   Temperature and humidity sensors placed inside a radiation shield prevent direct sunlight interference. Atmospheric pressure is measured via piezoresistive or capacitive sensors. 

3. Wind Speed & Direction Measurement  

   Ultrasonic or mechanical anemometer + wind vane for high-accuracy, low-error wind monitoring. 

4. Data Acquisition & Intelligent Analysis  

   The main controller collects, calibrates, processes, and stores sensor data in real time. Built-in algorithms predict equipment risks and PV generation efficiency, and support automatic PV tracker angle adjustment and operational strategy optimization. 

5. Data Transmission  

   Real-time upload to cloud platform or user terminal via 4G/5G networks for remote monitoring and intelligent management.

 Structural Composition 

A typical small grid-connected PV weather station consists of: 

- Sensor modules: Irradiance, temperature & humidity, wind speed & direction, atmospheric pressure, etc.  

- Data acquisition unit: Collects, calibrates, and preliminarily processes sensor data  

- Control & processing module: Handles intelligent analysis, data storage, and automatic control  

- Power system: Solar panel + wide-temperature maintenance-free colloidal battery for 24/7 operation  

- Communication module: Supports 4G/5G wireless transmission, remote access, and cloud management  

- Mounting structure: Robust bracket or tower ensuring sensors remain unshaded and data remains accurate

 Measurement Methods and Accuracy 

 Installation Standards and Methods 

1. Location: Near PV arrays with no shading; wind sensors typically at ~10 m height  

2. Mounting: Ground bracket, tower, or wall-mounted – must be stable  

3. Protection: Rainproof, UV-resistant, lightning-protected; radiation shield for T/RH sensors  

4. Power layout: Solar panel unshaded; regularly check battery health  

5. Communication: Antenna unobstructed and away from strong interference sources  

6. Multi-point deployment: For large plants, install multiple stations for regional precision monitoring

 Common Faults and Troubleshooting 

 Application Scenarios 

1. PV plant O&M: Real-time generation efficiency monitoring and automatic tracker angle optimization  

2. Safety management: Risk prediction and preventive maintenance  

3. New energy research: PV efficiency analysis and environmental parameter studies  

4. Smart energy management: Integration with SCADA for intelligent dispatching  

5. Meteorological & environmental monitoring: Provides reference data for environmental assessment 

 Selection Guidelines 

- Small-scale research/teaching: Basic model sufficient  

- Small & medium PV plants: Standard model with intelligent analysis and remote transmission  

- Large grid-connected plants: High-precision model with automatic sun tracker, remote management, and advanced O&M functions   

Key selection factors: installation environment, required parameters, budget, and O&M capability.

 FAQ 

1. Can it monitor solar irradiance in real time?  

   Yes, with automatic sun tracking and high-precision sensors for continuous real-time monitoring. 

2. Can data be viewed remotely?  

   Yes, via 4G/5G; accessible through web portal or mobile APP. 

3. How to minimize wind speed/direction errors?  

   Ultrasonic or high-mounted mechanical sensors plus data filtering algorithms. 

4. Why is a radiation shield important for T/RH sensors?  

   Prevents direct sunlight and rain interference for accurate temperature and humidity data. 

5. Is solar power reliable?  

   Equipped with wide-temperature maintenance-free colloidal batteries for all-weather autonomous operation. 

6. Can it support preventive maintenance?  

   Yes, intelligent analysis predicts risks and sends early warnings. 

7. What to do if data is lost?  

   Check network and antenna; restart or upgrade firmware if needed. 

8. Does it require manual calibration?  

   High-precision models have auto-calibration, but periodic manual calibration ensures long-term stability. 

9. Can multiple PV array zones be monitored simultaneously?  

   Yes, via multiple stations or modular deployment. 

10. Are there height requirements?  

    Wind sensors recommended at ~10 m; irradiance sensors only need unobstructed sky view. 

11. Can it withstand extreme weather?  

    Designed for high/low temperature, rainproof, and wind-resistant long-term outdoor use. 

12. Advantages over traditional PV monitoring solutions?  

    Higher accuracy, intelligent analysis, remote management, sun tracking, and green power – significantly improving O&M efficiency. 

13. What certificates does NiuBoL PV weather station have?  

    Our products hold CE, ISO9001, RoHS, and calibration certificates.

 Summary 

The small grid-connected PV weather station is the intelligent guardian of photovoltaic power plants. Through precise monitoring of solar irradiance, wind speed & direction, temperature & humidity, and atmospheric pressure, it enables intelligent O&M, efficiency optimization, and risk prevention. With automatic sun tracking, real-time cloud transmission, and green solar power, it not only ensures efficient and safe operation of PV plants but also provides reliable data support for new energy research and smart energy management. Choosing the right PV weather station solution lays a solid foundation for long-term stable operation and high-quality development of the photovoltaic industry.

Pyranometer Solar Radiation Sensors data sheet

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

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

NBL-W-PSS Soiling Sensor Photovoltaic Dust Monitoring Instrument Data Sheet.pdf