Patent attributes
A system for monitoring efficiency and security of a solar array includes a voltage-based monitoring circuit and a photoelectric sensor. The system detects a voltage across the solar array and compares the voltage to changes in light detected by the photoelectric sensor. In response to reduced light detected at the photoelectric sensor, the system generates a low-efficiency alarm. In response to reduced voltage while light detected by the photoelectric sensor remains constant, the system generates a security alarm signal. The system may also include a PIR sensor, an RFID reader, and a solar panel circuit including the solar panels of the solar array. In response to an infrared alarm at the PIR sensor, an unauthorized alarm at the RFID reader, and an open circuit alarm signal of the solar panel circuit, and the security alarm signal, the system may transmit a master alarm to a monitoring center.