Today, with the rapid development of photovoltaic technology, solar radiation monitoring systems have become the core equipment for global solar power stations to enhance their power generation efficiency. Recently, from desert power stations to water-based photovoltaic systems, high-precision radiation sensors are reshaping the operation and management models of power stations, injecting new technological impetus into the clean energy industry.
Morocco: The “Eye of Light” of Solar Thermal Power Plants
At the Valzazate Solar Thermal Power Station, direct radiation meters (DNI sensors) are playing an irreplaceable role. These precision devices precisely measure the intensity of direct radiation perpendicular to the surface of the light line by continuously tracking the position of the sun. Based on real-time data, the operation team precisely controlled the focusing angles of thousands of heliostats to ensure that energy was efficiently concentrated on the heat absorber, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the power station by 18%.
Chile: “Efficiency Analyst” of Plateau Power Stations
The plateau photovoltaic power station located in the Atacama Desert is equipped with a monitoring system composed of total radiation meters and scattered radiation meters. In the special environment at an altitude of 4,000 meters, the system not only provides precise radiation data but also optimizes the cleaning cycle of photovoltaic panels by analyzing the ratio of direct and scattered radiation. Data shows that this plan has increased the average annual power generation of the power station by more than 12%.
The United States: The “Intelligent Diagnosist” of Large-scale Photovoltaic Parks
In the photovoltaic park of the California desert, the solar radiation monitoring network and the unmanned aerial vehicle inspection system work in coordination. When the radiation data shows a significant deviation between the actual power generation and the theoretical value, the system automatically dispatches drones to conduct detailed detection of the abnormal area, quickly locate the faulty components, and reduce the troubleshooting time from the original 48 hours to 4 hours.
South Africa: The “Prediction Expert” of Grid-connected power Stations
At the grid-connected photovoltaic power station in Johannesburg, the radiation monitoring system is deeply integrated with the weather forecast model. By analyzing the changing trends of real-time radiation data, the power station can accurately predict the power generation three hours in advance, providing a key basis for power grid dispatching. This system has increased the power trading revenue of the power station by 15% and significantly enhanced the grid’s absorption capacity.
Technological breakthrough
The new generation of solar radiation sensors, which adopt the thermopile principle and fully automatic tracking technology, can precisely measure various parameters such as total radiation, direct radiation, and scattered radiation. Some advanced models are also equipped with self-cleaning devices to ensure that measurement accuracy can be maintained even in sandy and dusty environments.
Industry impact
According to the International Energy Agency, solar power stations equipped with precise radiation monitoring systems have an average power generation efficiency that is 8-15% higher than that of traditional power stations. At present, more than 70% of new large-scale photovoltaic projects worldwide have radiation monitoring systems as standard equipment.
Future outlook
With the popularization of bifacial power generation technology and tracking brackets, the importance of solar radiation monitoring will be further highlighted. Industry experts predict that the global market size of solar radiation sensors will increase by 200% in the next five years, becoming an indispensable key link in the solar energy industry.
From the deserts of North Africa to the plateaus of South America, from North American parks to power stations in Africa, solar radiation sensors are witnessing the continuous improvement of photoelectric conversion efficiency on a global scale. This fundamental yet crucial technology is driving the global solar energy industry to steadily move towards greater efficiency and intelligence.
For more solar radiation sensor information, please contact Honde Technology Co., LTD.
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Post time: Nov-11-2025