IEC 61724-1:2021 Sensor Requirements for PV Plant Performance Monitoring

As known, the usage of sensors for monitoring PV plants is crucial. This is where the IEC 61724-1:2021 standard comes into play by providing guidelines on the type of sensors to be used and the recommended quantities. So, what does the IEC61724-1:2021 stand for?

IEC 61724-1 Standard for performance monitoring and analysis of photovoltaic (PV) systems

IEC 61724-1 is an essential standard that outlines the equipment, methods and best practices for the evaluating the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems. It provides detailed guidelines for collecting accurate and reliable data from various system components, including the environmental sensors. The standard specifies the types and numbers of the sensors required based on the PV Plant’s capacity and other key criteria.

What Sensors Must Be Used According to IEC 61724-1 Standard?

The IEC 61724-1 standard identifies various types of sensors required to accurately monitor PV plant performance and increase it such as; Pyranometers, Irradiance Sensors, Module & Ambient Temperature Sensors, Wind Speed & Direction Sensors, Relative Humidity, Soiling Sensors… and many other sensors depending on the PV Plant specifications. The IEC Standard defines the measured parameters along with a summary of measurement requirements in a summary table.

Measured Parameters and Requirements According to IEC Standard?

Table 2 of the IEC61724-1:2021 serves as a guide for users by specifying the purpose of each monitoring parameter.

A check mark (√) in Table 2 indicates parameters that must be measured on-site, with specific notes qualifying the requirements where applicable. The symbol “R” denotes parameters that may be determined using remote meteorological or satellite data instead of on-site measurements.

Empty cells in Table 2 indicate optional parameters that can be selected based on specific system needs or project requirements.

Number of Sensors Required According to IEC Standard?

The IEC 61724-1:2021 standard also specifies the minimum number of required on-site sensors. In many cases, this is expressed as a factor multiplied by a value from Table 3. Where no specific number is provided, a single sensor is required, though redundant sensors are generally recommended.

For PV plants requiring multiple sensors, these should be distributed across representative locations or positioned at designated monitoring points indicated in the table. If the PV plant consists of multiple sections with varying technologies, significantly different geographical features, or unique operational characteristics, at least one sensor must be placed in each section. Additional sensors should be installed as needed to ensure accurate monitoring.

SEVEN Sensor Solutions for Monitoring PV Plants

By following the requirements of IEC standards, SEVEN Sensor manufactures different sensors to fulfill the need of the clients to accurately monitor PV plants and improve their performance.

SEVEN Sensor produces a wide range of sensors, including Pyranometers, Albedometers, Temperature & Wind Sensors, Relative Humidity, Soiling Sensor… and many more. For more details about the sensors that SEVEN Sensor offers, you can check the products page.