Utility-scale solar facilities are most commonly networked using fiber optic technology. The design is the same sort of point-to-point Ethernet technology based on single-mode fiber that’s used in enterprises and industrial applications, as opposed to the Passive Optical Network (PON) approach used by service providers.

Fiber provides multiple benefits in large-scale solar installations:

• Fiber can easily cover the distances involved with solar power systems that stretch across several square miles.
• Fiber is more reliable than the wireless communications used in residential and small commercial solar installations.
• Fiber is unaffected by the high voltages and currents used in large solar sites — and it can’t conduct electricity, which eliminates grounding issues.
• Fiber is more than capable of supporting the small volume of data transfers at these “solar farms.”

Connected Devices in Large Solar Installations

A variety of devices are served by a solar installation's network.

• Inverters convert the DC power from the photovoltaic (PV) panels to the AC power required by the utility grid. Monitoring the inverters’ health and performance is critical. Of equal importance to operators is the fact that these devices monitor the amount of power being delivered, which is critical to the operator’s ability to get paid.
• Tilt/tracker controllers allow the PV panels to follow the sun across the sky to maximize power output. These controllers may be centrally coordinated via the network, or they may function independently; in either case, their performance can be reported back across the network.
• Battery storage can be monitored for capacity, temperature, and health.
• Security cameras and motion sensors make sure that the valuable copper cabling used to carry the power being generated doesn’t end up in the back of a thief’s truck.

Fiber Network Jobs at Large-Scale Solar Facilities

These are the typical jobs performed by fiber optic network technicians and specialists at utility-scale solar facilities.

• Commissioning – The amount of loss in a fiber optic cable determines whether it can support the desired application. When each fiber cable is installed, technicians make loss measurements to ensure the fiber meets this requirement.
• Troubleshooting – Fiber is reliable, but it can also be fragile. Exposed fiber can degrade in the sunlight. Accidents can stretch, bend, or break it (fiber technicians suspect that backhoes were designed specifically to destroy fiber connections). And sometimes animals can’t resist taking a bite. Technicians need to quickly determine whether a fiber connection is live and where along the length of the cable a break or damage may be.
• Inspection and Cleaning – Contaminated connections are the most common problem affecting fiber networks. Dust is the most frequent offender, but moisture, body oils, and other contaminants can also be a problem. Given that a single-mode fiber has a diameter much smaller than that of a human hair, it doesn’t take much to degrade or completely block a connection. Making sure that fiber end faces are clean when connecting, installing, or troubleshooting fiber optic cables goes a long way toward eliminating problems.

Fiber Testing Solutions for Solar Installations

Fluke Networks sets the standard in fiber optic network testing, especially in the challenging environments of utility-scale solar power plants. Here are some of our most popular solutions.

CertiFiber? Pro Optical Loss Test Set

Go to CertiFiber? Pro

• Measures loss and length in single-mode and multimode fiber at multiple wavelengths
• Automated setup reduces measurement errors
• Tests a fiber pair in three seconds
• Document results with LinkWare? PC or LinkWare? Live
• Optional inspection camera

SimpliFiber? Pro Light Source and Power Meter

Go to SimpliFiber? Pro

• Measures loss in single-mode and multimode fiber at multiple wavelengths
• Document results with LinkWare PC

OptiFiber? Pro OTDR

Go to OptiFiber? Pro OTDR

• Pinpoints failures and issues in single-mode and multimode fiber
• Automated setup and measurement
• Graphical EventMap? displays results in a format any tech can read
• Document results with LinkWare PC or LinkWare Live
• Optional inspection camera

Fiber Inspection and Cleaning

Go to FiberInspector? Ultra

• Cameras such as the FI-3000 FiberInspector? Ultra perform safe, easy inspection of any fiber connection
• QuickClean? cleaners remove dust and contaminants easily while reducing static that causes dust to adhere
• Wet cleaners remove more stubborn contamination

FiberLert? Live Fiber Detector

Go to FiberLert?

• Indicates presence of active fiber with light and sound
• Supports single-mode, multimode, and all common wavelengths and connectors
• Checks connectors, transceivers, and patch panels

Got questions about integrating Fluke Networks fiber testing tools into your solar workflow? We can help.