Remote monitoring of PV performance using geostationary satellites

This paper investigates the capability of satellite remote sensing to monit or the performance of ground-based photovoltaic (PV) arrays. A comparison b etween the actual output of PV power plants and satellite-simulated output estimates at six climatically distinct locations is presented. The paper sh ows evidence that the satellite resource is an effective means of monitorin g the performance of PV systems and of detecting potential problems with th ese systems, Large problems may be detected through the observation of size able monthly differences (>25%) between satellite-predicted and actual syst em output. Smaller problems may also be identified through an analysis of t he evolution of these differences over time. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.