Inverter direct monitoring is the process of collecting solar plant performance data directly from the inverter. Professional monitoring and energy management systems like Solar-Log® use hardware to communicate with inverters, typically through RS485 or LAN connection. Data collected from the inverter includes production information, faults, and inverter error codes. Solar-Log® logs the data and transfers it to the Solar-Log WEB Enerest™ morning software where it can be displayed and analyzed. This process immediately detects any errors in solar plants or drops in production to ensure that the solar plant is operating as expected, with minimal disruption. Solar-Log® inverter direct monitoring is inverter-agnostic, meaning it can be used with all major inverter brands.
Monitoring is the process of logging plant performance data to ensure that the plant is functioning properly. Monitoring often includes inverter direct communication and forecasting tools to detect any drop or deviation between expected and actual power output. Solar-Log® offers monitoring compatible with all major inverter brands.
Production metering is the use of a physical production meter for an accurate measurement of solar power production. Solar-Log® has ANSI certified revenue grade meters to meet the standards required in many performance-based incentive (PBI) markets.
The production readings provided by inverters through monitoring is often less accurate than the measurements provided by revenue grade meters.
Consumption monitoring is the measurement of how much energy the building or individual circuits are using. Consumption monitoring requires a separate power meter to measure the building load.
Consumption monitoring from Solar-Log® provides valuable insight into your building’s energy usage. Your utility company may charge time-of-use rates which means you pay more for the electricity you use during peak times. Once you understand how your energy is used, you can make adjustments to lower your electricity costs. Consumption monitoring gives you the power to reduce time-of-use charges and take advantage of peak solar production hours.
Video: Integrate all major inverters on the market into a single system with the Solar-Log® energy management system.
