Solar Power Plants (SPP) are one of the cornerstones of sustainable energy production. However, continuous performance monitoring is just as critical as production itself. At this point, the IEC 61724-1 standard has become a global reference for the installation, monitoring, and evaluation of solar energy systems.
What is the IEC 61724-1 Standard?
IEC 61724-1 is an international standard covering equipment, methods, measurement parameters, and quality control processes used for performance monitoring in solar energy systems.
The scope of this standard includes:
- Sensor selection and calibration requirements,
- Monitoring system classifications,
- Timing, data validation, and quality control rules,
- Efficiency and performance ratio (PR) calculations.
** IEC 61724-1:2021, Madde 1: Scope
** “This part of IEC 61724 outlines terminology, equipment, and methods for performance monitoring and analysis of photovoltaic (PV) systems.”
What are the monitoring classes defined in the standard?
IEC 61724-1 divides monitoring systems into two classes:
| Monitoring Class | Definition | Application Area |
| Class A | High Accuracy | Utility-scale PV systems |
| Class B | Medium Accuracy | Commercial, rooftop, or medium-scale systems |
** Madde 4: Monitoring System Classification
** “The monitoring system classification shall be stated in any conformity declarations to this document.”
What Data Should Be Measured?
The standard specifies mandatory measurement parameters for each class:
Some Mandatory Parameters:
- POA (Plane-of-Array) Irradiance (3S-TP-MB-A and 3S-IS compliant with IEC61724-1 )
- Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) (3S-TP-MB-A compliant with IEC61724-1)
- PV Module and Ambient Temperature (Tmod) (3S-PT1000 compliant with IEC 60751)
- AC/DC Power and Energy Data
- Wind speed (when required) (3S-WS compliant with IEC61724-1)
- Panel surface soiling (3S-SMS-MB compliant with IEC61724-1)
** Madde 7: Required Measurements (2021’den önceki Versiyonları)
**“The most significant and direct impacts on PV performance are in-plane irradiance, the PV cell temperature, and shading losses due to soiling or snow.”
Why is the IEC61724-1 Standard Important?
1. Provides Reliable Data for Efficiency Analysis
Metrics such as PR (Performance Ratio) are calculated using internationally recognized methods thanks to IEC 61724-1.
**Madde 14.3.1
** “Performance ratio = Actual AC energy output / (Expected Energy Output) * 100”
2. Error Detection and Fault Prevention
Early fault detection is possible through detailed monitoring of system subcomponents. You can access our article on field detection with meteorological sensors here.
3. Investor Confidence and Financial Transparency
When measurements are performed in accordance with standards, performance guarantees and investment return analyses become reliable.
4. Maintenance Planning
** Madde 5.6: Inspection
** “The monitoring system shall be inspected at least annually and preferably at more frequent intervals. Inspection should look for damage, deterioration, or disconnection of sensors and electrical enclosures, soiling or displacement of optical sensors, loose wiring connections, detachment of temperature sensors, embrittlement of attachments, and other potential problems.”
The IEC 61724-1 standard is an indispensable resource for monitoring the performance of solar energy systems using objective, repeatable, and internationally recognized methods. Compliance with this standard is essential for increasing the success of your solar energy projects, ensuring investor confidence, and achieving long-term efficiency.
SEVEN Sensor Solution manufactures products such as Meteorological Irradiance Sensor, Thermopile Pyranometer, Albedometer, Wind Speed and Direction Sensors, Soiling Sensor in accordance with IEC61724-1:2021. For more detailed information, please contact SEVEN.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1.What is the relationship of IEC 61724-1 standard with meteorological sensors?
This standard contains rules for the positioning, calibration and data quality of meteorological sensors used in solar power plants.
2. Is there a meteorological sensor manufacturer that complies with IEC 61724-1 standard?
SEVEN Sensor Solution in Turkey manufactures all meteorological sensors in accordance with IEC61724-1 and ISO9060 standards.
3.Can other standards be used instead of the IEC 61724-1 standard?
Not as a replacement, but as a complement, sensor-specific standards such as ISO 9060 can be used together.