In the field of solar photovoltaic and solar thermal power generation, solar radiation is the sole and core “fuel”. Accurately measuring the input of this “fuel” is the absolute cornerstone for evaluating the performance of power stations, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring investment returns. HONDE Company has been deeply engaged in the field of solar radiation measurement. Its series of high-precision radiation sensors have evolved from simple “meteorological observation equipment” to indispensable “efficiency yardstick” and “data heart” in the planning, construction, operation and maintenance, and asset evaluation of solar power stations, providing irreplaceable precise data sources for the full life cycle management of power stations.
I. Core Value of Precise Measurement: From “How Much Electricity Was Generated” to “How Much Electricity Should Have been Generated”
The efficiency assessment of solar power stations hinges on comparing the “actual power generation” with the “theoretical maximum power generation”. The latter is entirely dependent on the solar radiation energy reaching the surface of the photovoltaic module or collector. HONDE solar radiation sensors solve three core problems by precisely quantifying this “input energy” :
The cornerstone of performance ratio calculation: Performance ratio is the golden indicator for measuring the health of power stations. PR = Actual power generation/(Radiation × System Efficiency). The precise radiation data provided by HONDE sensors serves as a reliable and impartial “ruler” in the denominator, ensuring the authenticity and credibility of PR value calculations, and is used for horizontal benchmarking and long-term performance degradation analysis.
Attribution of power generation fluctuations: When power generation fluctuates abnormally, is it due to weather conditions or equipment failure? High-precision real-time radiation data can answer this question immediately. If the radiation is normal but the power generation drops sharply, internal problems such as the inverter, string or shadow shading can be quickly identified.
Accuracy guarantee of power prediction: For grid-connected power stations, the accuracy of short-term power generation prediction directly affects grid dispatching and power trading revenue. Radiation data is the most direct input for predictive models, and its accuracy directly determines the reliability of the prediction.
Ii. HONDE Radiation Sensor Product Matrix: Matching Diverse Power Station Demands
HONDE offers complete sensor solutions for power stations with different technical routes and precision requirements:
The benchmark choice for Photovoltaic power stations – Total Radiation Meter
Principle and Function: Placed horizontally, it measures the total solar radiation (including direct and scattered) received within a hemispherical field of view (180°). This is a standard instrument for evaluating the theoretical power generation of fixed photovoltaic power stations.
HONDE’s advantages: It complies with ISO 9060:2018 Level 2 standards (or higher), featuring outstanding long-term stability, rapid response capability and temperature compensation performance, ensuring the reliability and comparability of data year after year.
The Eye of Solar Thermal and High-Efficiency Tracking Power Stations – Direct Radiation Meter:
Principle and Function: By keeping the solar tracker always perpendicular to the sunlight, it precisely measures the direct normal radiation. This is the core input parameter of concentrated solar thermal power generation and high-precision dual-axis tracking photovoltaic systems, which directly determines their energy harvesting potential.
HONDE’s advantages: Equipped with a precise solar tracker and automatic calibration function, it can maintain stable alignment in the harsh power station environment with strong winds and dust, providing pure DNI data.
A powerful tool for scientific research and in-depth analysis – Scattering Radiation Sensor & Spectral radiometer
Scattered radiation: It is used to analyze the impact of cloudy weather on power generation and assist in calculating direct radiation.
Spectral radiation: Analyzing the energy distribution of solar radiation in different bands provides key data for evaluating the performance and attenuation of new high-efficiency cells (such as perovskites and heterojunctions).
Iii. Key Applications throughout the Entire Life Cycle of Power Stations
1. Resource assessment and project planning stage
During the power station site selection stage, the HONDE mobile radiation monitoring system is deployed for on-site data collection for at least one year. By analyzing the annual total radiation, monthly distribution, direct scattering ratio and typical meteorological year data, it provides a decisive basis for technology selection, system design, power generation simulation and investment return rate calculation, reducing investment risks from the source.
2. Construction period acceptance and performance guarantee testing
In the performance guarantee test after the power station is completed, the HONDE radiation sensor serves as a third-party benchmark device to verify whether the power station meets the performance indicators stipulated in the contract. The authority and fairness of its data are the keys to resolving potential commercial disputes.
3. Refined operation and maintenance and energy efficiency improvement during the operation period
Intelligent cleaning optimization: By comparing the theoretical radiation (sensor) with the actual output power of the components, the efficiency loss caused by dust accumulation is calculated. Combining the cleaning cost with the electricity price, the cleaning time point with the highest economic benefit can be precisely calculated to maximize the cleaning revenue.
Fault Diagnosis and health Management: During periods when radiation conditions are stable, if the power generation of a specific array remains persistently lower than the expected value calculated based on radiation, the system can automatically issue a warning to guide operation and maintenance personnel to accurately identify hot spots, wiring faults, or inverter issues.
Tracking system calibration: Provide feedback calibration for single-axis/dual-axis tracking systems to ensure they are always at the optimal Angle.
4. Asset Management and Financial Derivatives
Precise and long-term correlation data between radiation and power generation is the foundation for the securitization, refinancing and insurance product design of power station assets. It provides a solid data model for assessing the long-term cash flow stability of power stations and enhances investor confidence.
Iv. Technical Assurance: Reliability tailored for harsh environments
Power stations are often located in extreme environments such as deserts, plateaus and coastal areas. HONDE sensors have been enhanced for this purpose:
Environmental adaptability: IP65 high protection grade, wide operating temperature range, built-in heating and ventilation devices, effectively coping with frost, sand and dust, high temperature and high humidity.
Low-maintenance design: The optical surface is coated with a hydrophobic coating to reduce dust adhesion. The modular design facilitates rapid on-site maintenance and calibration.
Intelligent Internet of Things: Supports multiple communication methods such as 4G and optical fiber, with data directly uploaded to the power station monitoring and data acquisition system or the HONDE energy cloud platform, achieving centralized monitoring and big data analysis.
V. Empirical Case: Real Money Driven by Data
After deploying the HONDE high-precision radiation monitoring network and establishing a data-based cleaning optimization model, a 300MW large-scale photovoltaic power station successfully optimized the annual module cleaning frequency from a fixed 8 times to a dynamic 5-7 times. Just this one item saves over 500,000 US dollars in operation and maintenance costs annually. At the same time, by avoiding excessive cleaning and dust accumulation losses, it is estimated that the annual power generation revenue will increase by an additional 1.5%, achieving a “win-win” situation for operation and maintenance costs and power generation revenue.
Conclusion
In an era when photovoltaic power generation has achieved full grid parity and power station operations have shifted from “extensive” to “careful budgeting”, every kilowatt-hour of electricity produced is related to efficiency. HONDE solar radiation sensors, with their scientific-grade measurement accuracy and industrial-grade operational reliability, convert free sunlight into high-value data assets that are precisely measurable, deeply analyzable, and actionable. It is not only the “eyes” of the power station, but also the core sense of the “smart brain” that enhances the power station’s asset management level, uncovers hidden value, and ensures long-term stable returns. It has laid an indispensable data foundation for the global solar energy industry to move from scale expansion to high-quality development.
About HONDE: As an expert in the field of environmental and energy monitoring, HONDE is committed to providing the renewable energy industry with precise data solutions covering the entire life cycle, from resource assessment to smart operation. We believe that on the path of energy transition, precise measurement is the first and most crucial step towards achieving efficient conversion and excellent management.
For more solar radiation sensor information, please contact Honde Technology Co., LTD.
WhatsApp: +86-15210548582
Email: info@hondetech.com
Company website: www.hondetechco.com
Post time: Dec-09-2025