How cellular communications can help integrate solar generation

Solar power generation has seen remarkable growth in recent years.

In Europe alone, the market has doubled in the last two years and over the next four years is expected continue with double digit growth every year.

Solar generation has become vital to help meet carbon-zero targets and build energy independence, with government regulations and consumer incentives encouraging take up among commercial generators, businesses and households.

However, the integration of solar power into national electricity grids is not without challenges.

Intelligent solar generation

Like many renewable energy sources, solar power is intermittent and unpredictable, and its generation is also decentralised involving a variety of small, grid-connected generators producing, using, storing and exporting energy.

To prevent sudden surges or slumps in electricity supply and consequential damage to the grid or connected appliances, intelligent energy distribution systems using Internet of Things (IoT) technology have become essential.

A network of connected IoT sensors allows the balance of energy being used on-site, stored or exported to be measured and adjusted in real-time to ensure grid stability and reliability. For example, solar battery owners will use IoT analytics to analyse their data, and discover whether enough energy is being generated to cover demand or how much energy is being stored.

But the choice of connectivity is vital.

The advantages of cellular connectivity

For domestic systems, high-speed 4G cellular and low-latency connectivity offers the security, reliability and flexibility needed to serve thousands of homes with rooftop solar panels.

Cellular provides long-term connectivity, avoiding the need for operators to remind each customer to reconnect their devices every time they change their router or broadband provider. Furthermore, cellular connectivity provides the flexibility of remote mobile monitoring and control of devices.

For commercial systems connectivity is often fixed, but because of the large asset value of solar installations, cellular connectivity is frequently used as a backup. For those operating solar farms in remote locations without access to fixed connectivity, cellular is often the best option.

Why Vodafone

With tens of millions of energy applications already under management for utilities and the largest roaming network of any mobile network operator, Vodafone has the experience and reach to help you make the right choice.