Shoals Technologies Group Inc., a leading provider of electrical balance of systems solutions for solar, storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, has recently introduced its groundbreaking patent pending Snapshot I-V solar PV health monitoring solutions. This cutting-edge technology aims to revolutionize the way solar asset management is conducted, providing seamless integration and remote monitoring capabilities for the health and performance of PV modules throughout the lifespan of the system.

As the most significant investment in a solar system, PV modules demand accurate and timely monitoring to ensure optimum performance. Traditionally, auditing and troubleshooting of PV modules require a labor-intensive, on-site process with the use of currently available I-V curve tracing equipment. This entails the transportation of electrical test equipment to the solar field, manual setup at each location, and the disconnection of the inverter, leading to lost energy production.

However, with the introduction of the Snapshot I-V PV health monitoring solution, Shoals has successfully bypassed these challenges. This innovative solution enables remote performance monitoring of PV modules at a string level without the need to shut down the inverter. In addition to PV module tracking, Shoals’ solution gathers comprehensive historical and peripheral site data. This holistic approach helps customers gain valuable insights into efficiency levels, module utilization, and offers real-time performance analysis through time comparison reports.

The first commercially available products in the Snapshot I-V family include the Snapshot I-V Wireless Meter and Snapshot I-V Wireless Gateway. The Snapshot I-V Wireless Meter is a module-level performance-monitoring device specifically designed to collect detailed information on efficiency and performance, as compared to the manufacturers’ predicted module performance over the lifespan of the project. Encased within a weather-tight enclosure, this device securely installs on the back of the solar module. When paired with theSnapshot I-V Wireless Gateway, these devices form a flexible system for comprehensive power plant monitoring, capable of supporting installations with or without combiner boxes.

The Snapshot I-V Wireless Gateway serves as the central hub for the Snapshot I-V health monitoring system. Equipped with a local area network (LAN) connection, it creates a powerful 2.4 GHz wireless mesh network for solar PV monitoring. The Gateway not only collects data from the external irradiance meter and Snapshot I-V Wireless Meters but also serves as an integration point for third-party API. With the ability to communicate with up to 250 Snapshot I-V Wireless Meters, the Gateway ensures seamless data gathering and monitoring capabilities.

As Shoals uncovers its innovative Snapshot I-V solar PV health monitoring solutions, the industry can anticipate a future where solar asset management is enhanced through seamless integration and remote monitoring. With accurate and timely performance monitoring, customers can maximize the efficiency and longevity of their solar systems, ultimately optimizing utility-scale systems while minimizing downtime.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this research report is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. The energy market is highly volatile, and readers should conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.