Methods for Monitoring the Photovoltaic Panel: A Review

With the rapid development of Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy technology, a vast array of PV systems have been installed globally. According to the latest reports from the International Energy Agency (IEA), an astonishing 420GW of solar power has been installed, representing a doubling of solar energy capacity from 2022 to 2023, equivalent to the entire world’s output in 2022. PV systems primarily fall into two categories: centralized large-scale PV power stations and distributed rooftop PV systems. Centralized PV power stations transmit their generated energy efficiently into the power grid through dedicated transmission lines. Conversely, distributed rooftop PV systems feed energy back into the grid via inverters positioned close to the roof-mounted panels. However, the increasing installation of photovoltaic panels poses significant challenges to the resilience and carrying capacity of the power grid, potentially compromising its safety, especially during peak daylight hours. Therefore, diligent monitoring of photovoltaic panel installations and precise estimation of the peak power fed into the national grid are of utmost importance. Currently, two primary methodologies are utilized for this purpose: hardware-based monitoring and remote sensing techniques. The hardware approach offers unparalleled accuracy by directly reading parameters from photovoltaic systems, but it comes with a substantial cost. In contrast, remote sensing methods, which employ satellites, video, or infrared imagery, provide a cost-effective, convenient, and standardized approach to estimating power generation across vast areas. This comprehensive review examines the various methodologies used for photovoltaic monitoring, aiming to provide a robust foundation for the future development of solar photovoltaic power generation. By doing so, it significantly contributes to the advancement and widespread adoption of clean energy solutions, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for future generations.