The November release in VCOM will be made next Tuesday, November 22. You will then be able to use the new functions without restriction.

Learn about the features in this edition of our newsletter!

Selectable timeframes for the new Date Range Picker

The new Date Range Picker makes it possible to select definable timeframes for the graphics in the evaluation section. You just have to click the calendar icon in the evaluation section. The start and end dates can be configured on the right-hand side of the calendars.

You can also export data in CSV format for the definable time periods.

Faster navigation thanks to an optimized toolbar

Optimization of the toolbar makes navigation even faster and more user-friendly. Important tools – like the analysis section – are now displayed as icons and are just a click away.

In addition, the logo on the right-hand side has been enlarged. You can continue to reach the search function by pressing the “J” button. A link to the safer’Sun portal is no longer required because all administration tasks can now be completed with the administration interface. We introduced the new tool to you in the September newsletter. Administration interface: Effective and convenient management

You can reach portal administration and system configuration in the VCOM by using the wrench icon in the menu or by pressing the “S” button (settings).

Median and maximum: two new reference values for string monitoring

Two new reference values have been added to string monitoring in the VCOM: the median and the maximum values. The mean value of the strings per string combiner box  continues to be provided as well.

The median value is robust in terms of outliers. In many cases, the median value is preferred over the mean level because in this way false alarms can be reduced.

Visualization of your environmental contribution

The new portlet "Environmental contribution" visually displays the amount of CO2 emissions that were prevented by the power generated by your PV system (per day / in the current year / since commissioning).

This is shown by the number of trees that would have had to be planted in order to absorb the same amount of CO2. You can alter the CO2 emission factor for your system at any time. Just click the wrench icon in the portlet.

Active power regulation (Power Control) – monthly display

A monthly view has been added to the Power Control graphic “Active power regulation”. This information will provide you with an overview of all regulation activities regarding grid feed-in management and direct marketing. You can see at once how frequently and how long your system was regulated. The value is shown in minutes to facilitate a comparison with the published feed-in management activities of the grid operator.

The graphical presentation also makes it possible to check the plausibility of the information released by the grid operator about feed-in management.

With the November release, the portal safer’Sun Public is now available in Polish.

Beginning with firmware 1.7.0, the blue'Log X series is also compatible with Delta inverters. For details about compatibility, please refer to the data sheet.

On December 6, 2016, we will offer a training course on monitoring hardware in our Augsburg offices. On the next day, December 7, the course on the monitoring portal will be held.

Slots for both training sessions are still available. You may formally sign up by filling out the registration form on our homepage. We look forward to your participation!

Augsburg/Munich, 10/25/2016 – Operate, control and monitor: Munich-based E.ON Energie Deutschland GmbH has set up a control console designed to professionally monitor and manage photovoltaic systems. Its partner in this endeavor is meteocontrol GmbH of Augsburg, which is contributing its monitoring software VCOM virtual control room. E.ON’s customized monitoring solution is a key element of a new business strategy that also involves the production of renewable energies and energy networks.

“We now look after more than 230 systems across Germany. Their total output could meet the power needs of a medium-sized city,” said Matthias Krieg, Head of PV Maintenance/Services at E.ON Energie Deutschland. “With the help of our central monitoring system, we can ensure reliable operation management for small units on company roofs as well as large solar parks. The key for us is being able to use proven technology made in Germany. The virtual control room software offered by meteocontrol makes it possible for us to monitor our continually expanding portfolio efficiently and centrally.”

VCOM virtual control room is used not only to analyze incoming alarm reports, but also for all incident management. Thanks to smart, precise fault detection, the cause of problems can be pinpointed quickly and the time required for possible on-site repairs can be kept to a minimum. “With this monitoring solution, E.ON can provide customers with secure, long-range support that has been optimized across all process steps,” said Martin Schneider, the Managing Director of meteocontrol. “We are looking forward to our partnership with E.ON, in part because it will also produce synergies for globally scalable models designed to optimize the returns of PV systems.” Customers of E.ON Energie Deutschland will be able to access their data on a personalized website. Among other features, the website offers an investor view with a transparent presentation of key performance indicators to highlight the benefits of professional support.