Photovoltaic installations

Photo Voltaic systems typically consist of groups of solar panels, which turn solar energy into Direct Current (DC), and an inverter that converts the DC signal into Alternate Current (AC) in order to distribute it through the powergrid. ADD´s PLC technology can be used at both DC and AC sides for different purposes:

1) Maintenance:

• Dirt on the cells has a high impact on efficiency. This may cause up to 40% of losses in a non supervised installation.
• Access to solar panels may be not easy:
• Big solar farms in open field without continuous maintenance service.
• Solar Panels on rooftops. Access to the roof to check the cleanness of the panels may be dangerous.

2) Thefts:

• Solar panels are very valuable devices.
• High increase of thefts during the night.
• Security systems based on night vision cameras are very expensive.

3) Gather information about power generation:

• Exchange of performance data (power, shading, cell ageing).
• Malfunction detection.
• Information display and transport into network.

Why PLC?

• Cabling savings. Panels are already connected through a power cable to the inverter. With PLC you don’t need an extra cable for monitoring and control.
• Easy to install. PLC reduces installation time and cost of the process.
• Doesn’t need extra connectors. You can save one communication connector per panel.
• Save an extra microcontroller. ADD1010 can be used to orientate the panel according to the position of the sun. Rotation motor may be also controlled via PLC.