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SunSniffer is a technology for individual module monitoring, integrated into the junction boxes of solar modules. It gives 100% transparency on the performance and functioning of a power plant through real-time data collection from individual modules and strings, combined with artificial intelligence.

This allows problem detection and pattern prediction, and provides a user-friendly interpretation of the data together with an indication of which O&M actions are to be taken. By precisely indicating which modules are affected, what the problem may be and what actions are required, SunSniffer saves plant owners expensive on-site visits to diagnose issues and enables technicians to repair the affected modules effectively. This helps save up to 50% in O&M costs and improves plant performance by up to 7%.

The SunSniffer technology is designed for highly accurate monitoring at module level of the overall performance of a whole PV installation. It allows for safe and consistent energy production, increases the efficiency of the plant by up to 7% and saves up to 50% of O&M cost.

The effort of monitoring plant performance is minimised, because the system detects problems and predicts problem patterns remotely. This allows tailored O&M interventions without investing in expensive problem-detection activities on site.

PV plants do not operate as well as they could. Each module is subject to natural degradation, and faults resulting from production and external influences cause reductions in performance — often much greater than assumed.

Conventional technology provides no feedback from where the electricity is actually produced: in the module. Many errors cannot be detected by conventional diagnostic methods in the field, and those methods are also complex and expensive.

Only accurate, module-specific data collection and analysis deliver a data quality and depth of information that goes beyond mere error detection: where the problem is and what it is becomes clear. That is 100% transparency on the installation.

It allows precise recommendations for action and an easy-to-understand display, also for non-technical personnel. Repair and maintenance costs can be accurately assessed, weighed and calculated.

The system uses the existing wiring, which keeps it efficient, safe, robust and low-priced.

With SunSniffer you do not have to drive into the field to check for a problem. 90% of cases can be analysed remotely, and the repair job is defined without local diagnostics. That saves a lot of time and money.

The SunSniffer system consists of components designed for easy plug-and-play integration: SunSniffer Sensor, SunSniffer String Reader, SunSniffer Gateway and the SunSniffer WebPortal.

A small chip integrated by SunSniffer in the junction box of the solar module. The sensor measures voltage and temperature in relation to the serial number of the module and transmits them to the String Reader over powerline: the transmission runs over the existing DC wiring, so no further communication cabling is needed.

Measurement takes place every 15 seconds with a production-module sensor accuracy of ±1%.

The String Reader collects the data coming from the sensors within a string of modules and measures current as well as voltage. The data is then sent to the Gateway via Modbus (RS 485).

The Gateway collects all data from the field — String Readers, inverters, irradiance and other environmental sensors — and transmits it to the WebPortal over the internet.

The WebPortal analyses and prepares the data. It does not only detect individual performance variations but also analyses patterns, for example the shading of a module, using intelligent data analysis. In case of module damage the system informs the plant maintainer by e-mail or SMS.

A visualisation function shows the whole installation as it was planned and built. Thanks to the module serial number registered in the sensor chip, every module can be identified unambiguously.

No. Sensor and String Reader communicate over the normal solar cabling using a specifically developed transmission technology (PLC, powerline communication). An additional installation of communication cables is not necessary.

Power output measured from module, string and inverter, plus the information whether there is a deviation from simulation. The problem is localised exactly and reported with a suggestion which modules need to be replaced or serviced. This is communicated to an app for field use.

The simulation software enables the irradiance sensor to calculate a set value, which is then matched with the actual current. The comparison indicates the degree of soiling of the solar modules.

Yes. A permanent quick check answers PID yes or no. PID is detected from the specific PID voltage pattern of the individual solar modules.

SunSniffer recognises the voltage reduction patterns generated by microcracks.

SunSniffer recognises the different voltage reduction patterns that are typical of different shading types, systemic and temporary.

SunSniffer detects potentially defective diodes from voltage measurements. Diode failures are identified by the analysis engine via loss of voltage.

The strings are monitored with a simulation engine and an irradiance sensor, from which module degradation is calculated.

Temperature is an important factor influencing the performance of the whole plant. SunSniffer measures the temperature of each module individually, which makes clear what the impact of different factors — such as wind — is on specific parts of the plant.

Yes. SunSniffer is capable of carrying out a full comparison of different PV systems.

In case of hot spots we see power losses, and that is what we measure — per module, with an accuracy of ±1%.

That depends on the amount. The effect can range from reduced current up to voltage loss caused by hot spots.

Broken cells can lead to less voltage and less current, depending on the type of defect.

Yes, for PID for example. In a case of PID the modules at the end of the string lose voltage. It is a slow but ongoing increase of loss which will harm the modules; at a certain stage those modules cannot be healed anymore.

Retrofits are plugged between the modules and the junction boxes: instead of connecting the modules to each other directly, the retrofit is plugged in between them. The retrofit clip and retrofit box are shown on the Sensors page.

It depends on plant size. A String Reader needs 4 kB per hour, an inverter 30 kB per hour. For a 2 MW plant this adds up to about 4.5 MB per hour. With an upload bandwidth of 1.25 kB per second — HSPA offers about 8 kB — plants of up to roughly 12 MW can be handled over a normal mobile connection.

Measurements are taken every 15 seconds by the sensor. Data is transferred to the WebPortal about every 5 to 15 minutes. In the scientific version of the Gateway the transmission interval can be adjusted.

That depends on plant size; at a lower connection speed the sending interval is enlarged. For a 1 MW plant a data volume of about 150 MB should be sufficient.

The theoretical maximum is 1.2 km, but long distances should not be run with normal cabling. Where long, interference-free distances are needed, use fibre optics: add a fibre-optic media converter and there is no limit in length and no interference at all.

Sensors are always recognised by their serial number, whether or not the module serial number is known. To know which module is affected, and to set up the plant view, the module and sensor serial numbers must be mapped. During production of modules with an integrated SunSniffer sensor this mapping is generated automatically.