Revolutionising solar farm management with remote monitoring solutions
June 2025
Electrical Power & Protection
As South Africa continues its transition to renewable energy, the efficient management of solar farms has become more critical than ever. Iritron, a leader in industrial automation and control systems, is at the forefront of this revolution, offering advanced remote monitoring solutions tailored to the unique challenges of solar farm operations.
Why remote monitoring matters for solar farms
Large-scale solar farms are vital for powering towns, mining operations and private enterprises such as warehouses and distribution centres. However, ensuring these installations operate at peak efficiency is no small feat. “Owners need real-time insights into their farm’s performance to meet energy delivery targets and manage billing,” explains Neels van der Walt, head of department sales and business development at Iritron. “In a mining context, remote monitoring of solar farms allows mining companies to reduce their reliance on diesel generators and grid electricity should power outages occur, lowering operational costs. The monitoring of the health of their solar farms ensures that it functions optimally.”
Remote monitoring addresses key challenges, including the inability to benchmark performance, equipment failures due to environmental factors like lightning or hail, and the logistical difficulties of managing remote locations. “Without effective monitoring systems, issues such as misaligned solar panels or electrical faults can lead to significant energy losses,” notes Van der Walt.
For more information contact Iritron, +27 12 349 2919, [email protected], www.iritron.co.za
Further reading:
Navigating solar energy adoption
Electrical Power & Protection
Although South Africa’s enhanced solar tax rebate has ended, solar and energy storage solutions remain accessible and achievable. By taking a proactive and strategic approach, businesses can successfully lower their operational costs, mitigate power outages, and secure long-term energy independence.
Read more...
As wind energy gains momentum, lack of grid infrastructure remains a bottleneck
Electrical Power & Protection
Interest in wind energy has gained significant momentum in South Africa, opening up new opportunities for investment. However, lack of grid infrastructure could prove to be a stumbling block in unlocking this potential.
Read more...
Portable appliance tester
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The new appliance tester from Vepac is the ideal tool for testing the safety of electrical appliances in accordance with DGUV regulation 3 and BetrSichV. It enables the precise measurement of protective conductor or touch current using the equivalent leakage current method.
Read more...
Is sustainability enough any more?
Electrical Power & Protection
With the planet’s resources stretched to the brink and no signs of improvement, it is time we look beyond sustainability and explore regenerative thinking and design.
Read more...
A simple guide to understanding the importance of IP ratings
Electrical Power & Protection
When selecting electrical products for industrial, commercial or even domestic use, it is crucial to consider how well they can withstand environmental factors like dust and water. This is where ingress protection (IP) ratings come into play.
Read more...
A milestone in electrical safety
ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Celebrating a milestone in electrical safety, ABB proudly marks the 100-year anniversary of its revolutionary Miniature Circuit Breaker.
Read more...
The power of water
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The Alpenglow Hy4 is the world’s first water-based hydrogen combustion engine, offering a convincing alternative to traditional battery-electric vehicles and established hydrogen fuel cell designs.
Read more...
Optimising purification for green hydrogen production
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Parker Hannifin delivers advanced purification and thermal management components that enhance green hydrogen production.
Read more...
A new chapter in geothermal engineering
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The town of Geretsried in southern Germany has become a focal point in the global shift toward renewable energy. While the world’s attention often turns to wind turbines and solar panels, a quieter but no less powerful force is at work deep beneath the surface, geothermal energy.
Read more...
Harnessing the ocean with wave energy
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Wave energy is emerging as one of the most promising yet underutilised renewable sources. Tapping into the rhythmic, predictable power of ocean waves, this technology offers a clean, reliable alternative to fossil fuels and a valuable complement to wind and solar energy.
Read more...