Photovoltaic solar power plants are generation projects characterized by large areas of photovoltaic modules interconnected with power conversion systems, step-up substations and operational supervision infrastructures responsible for monitoring and controlling generation.

The operation of these plants involves highly distributed environments, in which thousands of modules, inverters and electrical equipment must be continuously monitored to ensure energy performance, generation availability and facility safety.

In this context, the operation of solar parks depends on the integration of different technological infrastructures, including:

  • generation supervision systems
  • operational telecommunications networks
  • energy performance monitoring systems
  • integration with energy operation and dispatch centers
  • security systems for protecting large operational areas

Beyond generation itself, solar parks are often located in remote areas, requiring robust telecommunications and monitoring solutions capable of ensuring connectivity and operational visibility over the plant.

These characteristics make photovoltaic plants highly dependent on technological infrastructures for supervision, operational telecommunications and distributed monitoring, essential to ensure generation reliability and efficient asset management.

Scope of Work

A3A Engenharia de Sistemas works in structuring and integrating the technological infrastructures that support photovoltaic solar plant operation, with a focus on operational telecommunications, generation monitoring, automation and systems integration.

The work involves both projects associated with new developments and initiatives to modernize and digitalize existing plants.

Key fronts of work include:

Operational telecommunications infrastructure

Structuring communication networks that support the supervision and operation of solar plants.

Includes:

  • internal optical networks of the solar park
  • communication infrastructure between inverters and supervision systems
  • connectivity between plants and operation centers

Generation supervision and monitoring systems

Structuring the technological infrastructure that supports monitoring of the plant’s energy performance.

Includes:

  • integration with generation SCADA systems
  • monitoring of inverters and power systems
  • consolidation of plant operational data

Asset and infrastructure monitoring

Structuring technological systems aimed at tracking the operational conditions of plant assets.

Includes:

  • critical equipment monitoring
  • integration of operational sensors
  • collection and analysis of operating data

Electrical infrastructure for technological systems

Design and adaptation of the electrical infrastructure that supports digital systems present in the plant.

Includes:

  • power supply for telecommunications systems
  • electrical infrastructure for supervision systems
  • protection against surges and lightning discharges

Security for large operational areas

Structuring technological systems aimed at the physical protection of facilities.

Includes:

  • video monitoring of operational areas
  • perimeter monitoring of solar parks
  • access control to critical plant areas

Integration with operation centers

Structuring architectures that enable remote supervision of solar plants and their integration with operation centers and generation management systems.

Standards and Compliance

Projects associated with photovoltaic solar plants involve compliance with technical standards applicable to energy generation, electrical installations and technological communication and automation infrastructures.

Main normative references include:

Photovoltaic systems

  • IEC 61724 — Photovoltaic system performance monitoring
  • IEC 62548 — Installation and safety of photovoltaic systems

Electrical infrastructure

  • ABNT NBR 5410 — Low-voltage electrical installations
  • ABNT NBR 16690 — Electrical installations of photovoltaic arrays

Protection and grounding

  • ABNT NBR 5419 — Lightning protection

Telecommunications and networks

  • ANSI/TIA-568 — Structured cabling
  • IEEE 802 — Communication networks
  • ITU-T — Telecommunications and optical networks

Operational safety

  • NR-10 — Safety in electrical installations
  • NR-35 — Work at height