4 FAQs about Solar energy storage project calibration

How much data should a solar monitoring system store?

Reliable data back-up and storage should be provided. Best practice is for dataloggers to store 6 months of data and to back up data to cloud storage. A reliable method to “back-haul” the data is required. Most connect to the internet via DSL, but be aware that many site owners will not allow the solar monitoring system to use the site network.

How much does a solar energy storage system cost on Alcatraz Island?

The National Park Service budgets, ideally, $100,000 per year for O&M of this PV energy storage system (308 kW PV; 1,920 kWh battery) on Alcatraz Island. Photo by Andy Walker, NREL Figure 13 shows the PV energy storage system on Alcatraz Island.

What should NREL consider when testing energy storage systems?

Photo by Owen Roberts, NREL Considerations for energy storage system testing include the following. If cost-justified by a large purchase, consider qualification testing of battery systems. Include test conditions in specifications for battery O&M diagnostics and testing.

Why is onsite data storage important for solar monitoring systems?

Onsite data storage helps to prevent loss of data when the communication link is down. The benefits of adopting open standards for information and communication are well-established. As it relates to the quality of the solar monitoring system, open standards are applied at four levels: Information access to the data store from applications.

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