Remote monitoring ensures solarPV system is performing
To maximise the performance of its 30 kW solarPV system and to be instantly aware of any problems, George Spencer Academy in Stapleford, Nottingham, has taken out a remote-monitoring and reactive-maintenance packages with Navitron. The contract runs for five years.
The services can identify if the 120-panel solarPV installation is not delivering electricity or if it is underperforming. It also eliminates the need for visits to site to read meters.
Geoff Weighton, a governor of the academy, explains, ‘Financially, having invested in our new 30 kW PV installation and expecting annual returns and savings of approximately 17% return on investment per year, knowing whether the system was performing as planned and whether there were any faults with it seemed crucial, but it is something that can only be done by remote monitoring.
‘The display information provided is a valuable educational tool, as we’ve installed monitors in the school that showcase the beneficial effects solar generation is having on the building, as well as the savings on conventional energy sources. Our teachers will be using the system as part of lessons about science and the importance of maintaining the environment.’
Stephen Knight, commercial director at Navitron, says, Without remote monitoring, PV systems are usually only looked at to read the generation meters once per quarter, so a system could be switched off or underperforming for three months before anyone notices. For a 30 kW system, this could mean that £1500 in revenue and savings could be lost before the fault was found.’
