What is Solar RMS?
A solar RMS (Remote Monitoring System) reports the performance of a solar power plant. Tracking the performance of a solar power plant after installation is necessary for both its users and installers. With an RMS, one can monitor the performance of the solar power system, observe the trend of its generation data, and if need be, take actions towards optimal generation.
How does it work?
The RMS is an inbuilt or external data logger that works with the inverter.
Once activated,
Step 1
Independently measures and records various parameters (date, time, weather, system performance) of a solar power plant over time. To being with, the local memory stores this data.
Step 2
The performance data syncs with a remote cloud server, at pre-defined intervals.
Step 3
The installer and user, now have a user ID and a password. After logging in, the interface enables performance monitoring with an android/iOS app (if available), or any standard web-browser.
How does RMS help?
> The system enables remote monitoring and management of your solar power system
> Performance reporting customised to your needs
> Live data tracking and analysis
> Provides you with an opportunity for proactive maintenance and support, ensuring maximum plant uptime
> Real-time access to the plant’s performance
> Get notification and service intervention alarms
> Offer data on the historical weather-based performance
> Detect defects with panel strings and recommend repairs to the setup
With a reliable RMS, you can view check your system’s performance anytime and anywhere; with a click on your smartphone or PC.
Here are a few examples of RMS in action.
Inverter: Growatt
RMS type: In-built
Generation data of a system of capacity 2-kilowatt power during a power cut (2:00 to 3:00 pm)
Inverter: Delta
RMS type: Third party
Generation data of a 5-kilowatt power system using a third-party RMS, Invendis.
Inverter: ABB
RMS type: In-built
Generation data of a 5-kilowatt power system, with dusty panels.
Inverter: Delta
RMS type: In-built
Generation data comparison between a sunny and cloudy month of a 5-kilowatt power system.
Inverter: Solar Edge
RMS type: In-built
System and panel level generation data from a 96.2-kilowatt power system, with optimisers, at an apartment building.
A solar power project is complete when the various stakeholders can measure its performance. It is essential to realise that efficient solar power output from your system requires top-quality equipment and design. Several other factors affect a solar power system’s effectiveness. Shade, dirt, physical damage, wiring, amongst other things, can cause a system to generate lesser than the optimal amount of power. The RMS helps identify such issues and rectify them on time.
