How to choose commercial photovoltaic power station communication?

When constructing a commercial photovoltaic power plant system, the selection of inverters not only affects power generation efficiency but also directly impacts the stable operation and intelligent management of the entire power plant. As the core equipment connecting photovoltaic modules, energy storage systems, and the grid, inverters perform multiple functions, including power conversion, data transmission, and communication control. An appropriate communication solution often determines the convenience and response speed of post-construction operation and maintenance for photovoltaic power plants. Currently, mainstream inverter communication methods include 4G/5G, WiFi, RS485, and PLC, each with its characteristics, requiring selection based on project-specific needs.

The 4G/5G communication solution, with its “plug-and-play, no wiring required” advantages, is widely adopted in small and medium-sized photovoltaic projects, particularly suitable for urban areas with good signal coverage. However, their drawbacks are also evident, such as reliance on operator networks and the need to renew data plans after five years, which limits their cost-effectiveness in certain long-term projects.

WiFi communication is more suitable for residential and small-scale commercial and industrial scenarios. By equipping inverters with WiFi modules, monitoring operations can be conducted via the user’s existing wireless network. The advantage is that no additional data charges are incurred, but the disadvantage is that it requires high-quality network signals and is susceptible to interference from factors such as weather and building structures.

In contrast, RS-485 communication uses a “daisy-chain” wiring method to achieve unified data upload from multiple inverters, offering extremely high stability and interference resistance, making it suitable for medium to large-scale commercial and industrial projects.

PLC communication transmits data through existing power lines without requiring additional wiring, thereby saving material and construction costs while enabling efficient transmission of large data volumes, making it suitable for large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic power plants and step-up grid-connected systems. However, PLC communication also has certain limitations, such as sensitivity to transformer interference and higher requirements for the power environment.

Of course, communication solutions are only part of the criteria for selecting an inverter. The inverter’s technical architecture, communication interface compatibility, and system integration capabilities are also key factors in the evaluation criteria. Huijue Group’s series of inverter products is designed to industrial-grade standards, supporting customisation for commercial and industrial scenarios, as well as remote maintenance via an app and centralised monitoring via a web interface. The products also integrate MPPT controllers, intelligent data acquisition units, and a remote management platform, achieving full-process integration from energy collection to data transmission. Especially in large-scale projects, the deep integration of Huijue inverters with energy storage systems enables users to achieve more flexible photovoltaic-storage integration scheduling, thereby enhancing overall energy efficiency on both the generation and consumption sides.

Photovoltaic power plants must not only pursue higher power generation efficiency but also prioritise the controllability and safety of long-term operation. Selecting an inverter system that supports multiple communication methods, possesses strong intelligent integration capabilities, and ensures reliable product quality will significantly enhance the management efficiency and performance of the power plant.

Huijue Group, with its years of expertise and technical accumulation in photovoltaic energy storage systems and base station site construction, has become the preferred partner for numerous enterprises, industrial parks, and energy projects. For more product details, please feel free to contact us for further information!