In this document
We will introduce you to the Solragis Monitor service, what it is, its typical use cases, and available subscription tiers.
Solargis Monitor
Solargis Monitor provides comprehensive performance data for solar energy assets by integrating multiple data streams. Solar radiation data is derived from the Solargis satellite-based model, while meteorological parameters are sourced from a range of reliable providers. This data is used to calculate Global Tilted Irradiance (GTI) and photovoltaic power output (PVOUT) using the Solargis simulation engine. The service maintains a continuous archive of historical operational data, from the past up to the present, enabling users to analyze recent trends in power plant performance and promptly identify deviations or anomalies.
As an independent, third-party data source, Solargis Monitor establishes a reliable benchmark for evaluating photovoltaic (PV) assets. It supports the identification of specific operational features, detection of faults, and comprehensive assessment of energy generation performance. The data is virtually error-free and gap-free, minimizing the need for manual data cleaning and quality control, and ensuring a high degree of data integrity. This allows users to set accurate expectations for optimal performance and directly compare these benchmarks with actual PV system output.
Solargis Monitor serves as a robust alternative to ground-based measurements, particularly when on-site equipment is difficult to install or maintain due to technical, logistical, or budgetary constraints. This cost-effective, readily available data solution delivers essential PV performance insights, supporting informed asset management and optimization decisions without the complexity of physical measurement infrastructure.
Note: Learn more about the origin of the data for Solargis Monitor here.
Typical use cases
Portfolio monitoring for operational failures (especially small sites)
Solargis Monitor Real-Time delivers up to 1-minute data, enabling the detection of hidden failures (e.g., tracker misalignment) and underperformance (e.g., due to soiling) by comparison with on-site PV asset measurements. This is especially valuable for managing large portfolios of smaller installations, such as rooftop systems, where deploying complex monitoring equipment is not cost-effective.
Replacement for on-site solar and meteorological measurements
On-site measurement of solar and weather conditions, as recommended by IEC 61724-1:2017, is standard practice for large PV power plants. However, purchasing and maintaining this equipment is costly, and the resulting data requires extensive quality checks to correct for errors such as shading or soiling.
Where on-site measurement is impractical due to remoteness, cost, or security concerns, Solargis Monitor provides a consistent, error-free data stream suitable for all applications that typically rely on local measurements. Even when on-site data is available, Solargis Monitor serves as a reliable supplement and error-free baseline.
Performance assessment of PV assets
Regular performance reviews against expected benchmarks are essential for optimal PV asset operation. Solargis Monitor data, particularly the PVOUT parameter, provides a robust reference for comparing with measured PV output, enabling the identification of performance shortfalls. By using Solargis Monitor, performance assessments automatically account for variations in solar irradiance and meteorological conditions, allowing users to focus on technical issues within the PV asset itself, rather than weather-related influences.
Available service tiers and delivery methods
Solargis Monitor is available in two main service tiers, plus an additional two for specific monitoring scenarios:
Basic: Provides a selection of data parameters in hourly resolution, suitable for applications with low criticality.
Professional: Offers all data parameters with up to 5-minute resolution, suitable for any use case.
Customizable Solargis Monitor Enterprise: For organizations requiring high data volumes, advanced analytics, or custom solutions
Solargis Monitor Real-Time: Available for applications needing current, up-to-the-minute data.
This document outlines the differences between the Solargis Monitor service subscription tiers.
All Solargis Monitor services can be delivered via two methods:
SFTP: Specify delivery parameters for each monitored location, and Solargis will provide data via a secure file exchange server. More details are outlined here.
API: Access data autonomously for all monitored locations using an API token. Technical documentation for the Solargis Monitor API endpoint is available here.