Abstract: A method of controlling a renewable energy power plant is provided. The method includes retrieving output power measurement values for each inverter of a total number of inverters from a plurality of sensors provided at a location proximal to each inverter and retrieving a point of interconnection (POI) output measurement value for the renewable energy power plant based on a plurality of ON inverters of the total number of inverters. The method also includes calculating a POI measured setpoint for the renewable energy power plant based on a difference between a power reference value for the renewable energy power plant and the retrieved POI output measurement value for the renewable energy power plant, assigning a setpoint to each of the ON inverters and classifying each ON inverter as either a TRACKING ON inverter or a NON-TRACKING ON inverter based on whether each ON inverter is tracking at the setpoint.

Abstract: A method of controlling a renewable energy power plant is provided. The method includes retrieving output power measurement values for each inverter of a total number of inverters from a plurality of sensors provided at a location proximal to each inverter and retrieving a point of interconnection (POI) output measurement value for the renewable energy power plant based on a plurality of ON inverters of the total number of inverters. The method also includes calculating a POI measured setpoint for the renewable energy power plant based on a difference between a power reference value for the renewable energy power plant and the retrieved POI output measurement value for the renewable energy power plant, assigning a setpoint to each of the ON inverters and classifying each ON inverter as either a TRACKING ON inverter or a NON-TRACKING ON inverter based on whether each ON inverter is tracking at the setpoint.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for analyzing the performance of an irradiance sensor of a photovoltaic system. More specifically, a remote calibration system may receive irradiance data from an irradiance sensor of a PV system. The remote calibration system may then filter the irradiance data using one or more of a threshold filter, a curve fit filter, and a correlation filter. The filtered irradiance data is then compared to an estimated irradiance to generate an irradiance weighted average which may be used to adjust subsequent irradiance data provided by the irradiance sensor. A report system can be adjusted with the irradiance weighted average to prevent generation of a report for the irradiance sensor.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for characterizing and monitoring photovoltaic power systems, and more particularly, to solar monitoring systems that provide notification of fault and performance conditions. Mistaken fault conditions causing false alarms are corrected by use of current weather conditions and performance data to adjust fault detection algorithms and control features.

Abstract: The method and system of the present invention provides for data gathering of energy systems, calculation of billing information for the energy systems to include both traditional energy sources and renewable energy sources, and creation of various outputs to include various user interfaces applicable to overall management of the energy systems. The user interfaces can include integrated, real-time billings to a consumer that measure the cost of the primary energy as well as savings provided by renewable energy sources. The present invention also provides predictive analysis for various aspects of energy use in order to better manage particular facilities that may incorporate renewable energy sources. The gathered data and the various user interfaces enables a user to modify or adjust the use of the renewable energy sources at selected sites to maximize their impact on reducing the cost of the primary energy bill.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for monitoring performance of a photovoltaic array. The system and method reduces the need for monitoring equipment by collecting measurement data associated with a plurality of photovoltaic strings. Failure and performance degradation detection is improved through the use of monitoring conditions, performance thresholds, and auto-calibration. Various user interfaces enable a user to modify or adjust the monitoring system and method, as well as monitor the performance of a photovoltaic array.