Energy from the sun can be harvested and converted directly into usable energy to power a vast array of applications. In industrial applications, several requirements are necessary to facilitate the effective collection of solar energy. For example, real-time data access is essential for closely monitoring uptime and power output from remote locations and for stable, no-data-loss transmissions over long distances. Intelligent networking systems are also often necessary for controlling large fields of solar panels. To learn more about harvesting solar energy for industrial applications, continue reading.

As we previously stated, solar energy systems are typically composed of a large number of solar panels. Because the energy derived from solar power systems changes as the sun sets and rises, such networking systems must operate on a continual basis to control the panels. A complex communication network is required to effectively monitor the panels. It facilitates communication between the solar panels and the central control room to report on the individual status of each panel.

Upon receiving information regarding the state of each panel, personnel in the central control room can send out customized commands. These commands optimize the panels for maximum efficiency by shifting their position to point toward the sun as well as make necessary adjustments to facilitate downtime for repair and cleaning.

A fiber-optic network is required to complete such commands. A backbone of industrial networking switches interconnected by fiber-optic cables allows the inverts, PLCs, and meter to simultaneously function across the panels in a unified manner. Due to the extreme temperatures and vibration that can occur as the panels shift their positioning, robust industrial Ethernet switches that can withstand the harsh conditions while operating effectively are required.

Our 8-port industrial Light Layer 3 managed Ethernet switch is an ideal option for solar energy applications. Fit for harsh outdoor environments, it features a wide-operating temperature support from -40°C to 75°C and provides high EFT and ESD protection for industrial networking applications. To reduce downtime, it also features a redundant power input design of 12 to 48VDC and has a built-in relay output for port break alarm as well as a system warning setting for automatic warning through email. It supports 6*10/100Tx fast Ethernet ports and 2*100Fx multi-mode SC fiber ports, IGMP v1/v2/v3, and IEEE 802.1Q VLAN, SNMP v1/v2c.

Additional key products that are useful for harvesting solar energy in industrial applications include our 2-port RS-232/422/485 to Ethernet device server and 10/100TX to 100FX industrial media converter. For more information regarding our products, which range widely from industrial routers to industrial PoE media converters, contact us today.