Solar power plants are one of the cleanest and most profitable long-term energy sources. To get the most out of them, it’s important to monitor and manage two key factors – how dirty the solar panels are and how strong the sunlight is.
Pollution on Solar Panels – The Silent Efficiency Reducer
Over time, dust, sand, pollen, and other debris collect on the surface of the panels. These reduce the amount of light that gets through, which lowers electricity production – sometimes by more than 20%. Traditionally, panels are cleaned on a schedule or based on visual checks, but this often leads to late action or unnecessary cleaning.
The solution comes from sensors that monitor panel pollution in real time by detecting how much light is lost due to dirt. This way, you can know exactly when cleaning is truly needed, helping you achieve:
Measuring Sunlight – A Key to Smart Planning and Analysis
To understand how much energy your panels should be producing, it’s essential to monitor the actual amount of sunlight at your location. This is done using so-called pyranometers, which measure global solar radiation across a wide light spectrum.
These sensors work reliably in all weather conditions and allow for:
Why Combine Both Technologies?
Combining pollution and sunlight sensors gives you a complete picture of how your solar plant is performing. While one sensor tells you how much energy should be produced, the other shows you why it might not be.
Together, they enable:
Over time, dust, sand, pollen, and other debris collect on the surface of the panels. These reduce the amount of light that gets through, which lowers electricity production – sometimes by more than 20%. Traditionally, panels are cleaned on a schedule or based on visual checks, but this often leads to late action or unnecessary cleaning.
The solution comes from sensors that monitor panel pollution in real time by detecting how much light is lost due to dirt. This way, you can know exactly when cleaning is truly needed, helping you achieve:
- optimal maintenance costs (fewer unnecessary cleanings),
- higher energy production,
- longer equipment lifespan.
Measuring Sunlight – A Key to Smart Planning and Analysis
To understand how much energy your panels should be producing, it’s essential to monitor the actual amount of sunlight at your location. This is done using so-called pyranometers, which measure global solar radiation across a wide light spectrum.
These sensors work reliably in all weather conditions and allow for:
- real-time monitoring of solar potential,
- accurate comparison between actual and expected production,
- detection of system issues or reduced efficiency.
Why Combine Both Technologies?
Combining pollution and sunlight sensors gives you a complete picture of how your solar plant is performing. While one sensor tells you how much energy should be produced, the other shows you why it might not be.
Together, they enable:
- greater energy efficiency,
- better return on investment,
- smarter maintenance and investment planning.
“VNet provides the supply and installation of environmental and weather sensor devices, the supply and installation of solar panels and enclosures for measuring equipment, antennas for mobile signals, and additional components for mounting and operating the equipment.”
Matjaž Loborec, CEO of VNet
Matjaž Loborec, CEO of VNet
