Measuring solar energy, how is it done and why is it important? Measuring solar energy is important. You measure the available energy...

PV system performance rating and testing methods require solar irradiance as an input parameter. For PV monitoring applications Solar Irradiance and PV module temperature are commonly measured. EKO universal 4-20mA and Modbus RS-485 RTU converters give full flexibility to combine different types of sensors within a multi sensor network. Solar radiation sensors and temperature sensors can be easily integrated allowing cost effective solutions when additional measurements are needed or when your network topology needs simplifying. Preserve or improve the sensor accuracy while complying to the output standards used in the industry.

2015/4/7, we hold the opening ceremony for EKO Inashiki Solar Park, the second solar power plant site constructed following the EKO Ami Solar Park. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for all the parties attended regardless of the bad weather. During the ceremony, some events were performed, such as (Shinto) ritual for praying the proper site operation, tape cutting and explanation of the plant facilities.

There are 5,880 PV modules installed in the park, and these can generate approx. 1,700,000kWh annually, which capacity equals to power consumption of 420 households. So it is expected that EKO could contribute to the local power infrastructure. We also use pyranometers for surveying solar radiation and the array monitoring system for power observation. It is the one of the main feature that the park is focusing on the power generation efficiency.

The new generation grating spectroradiometer MS-711 is designed to provide the most accurate solar spectral data outdoors. The MS-711 is a unique all weather sensor, without any moving parts. The detector core is temperature controlled to provide accurate irradiance measurement data within the spectral range from 300nm to 1100nm (UV / Visible / NIR). Designed and optimized for solar reserach applications. Superior to any fiber optics sensor, no moving parts. Mandetory for extensive solar spectral research in the field of energy meteorology, agronomy and material testing.

The company Black Photon introduced the "Air-Shield". This anti-soiling system designed for the MS-56 pyrheliometer keeps the quartz window free from sand, dust, rain, or snow but also insects and dirt buildup.

The working principle consists of a high flow of filtered air projected in front of the sensor window. The air is filtered with a 3-stage high efficiency particle filter and then accelerated in an air turbine. From the turbine, a flexible hose supplies the air through the injector head in front of the pyrheliometer window.

The system can be easily attached and retrofitted to any installed MS-56 pyrheliometer. The AirShield system can be either grid-connected or operated through a solar power battery system to allow remote off-grid operation.

November 19th, 2014, EKO Instruments co. ltd. held the 13^th annual Symposium at Tokyo, Japan. The yearly event, to share business knowledge and all latest topics, is considered as a valuable and important meeting not only for people working in the PV field but in general renewable Markets in Japan.

This year theme ”the future of photovoltaic generation”, five panelists spoke about the trend of energy policy, challenges and sustainabilty of long-term operation. The EKO panelist gave a lecture about irradiance measurements and photovoltaic generation at EKO Ami-PV site after one year operation.