What is BS EN IEC 61724‑1 about?
BS EN IEC 61724‑1 is the part of European standard that outlines terminology, equipment, and methods for performance monitoring and analysis of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
BS EN IEC 61724‑1 also serves as a basis for other standards which rely upon the data collected.
Who is BS EN IEC 61724‑1 for?
BS EN IEC 61724‑1 on photovoltaic system is useful for:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of solar panels
- Retailers and dealers of various types of solar panels
- Companies dealing with solar panels
- Testing and installation agencies of solar panels
Why should you use BS EN IEC 61724‑1?
A photovoltaic (PV) system contains of one or more combined of solar panels which capture the sun’s energy and convert solar radiation into electricity. When the light shines on semi-conductor the electric field across the junction between these two layers causes the electricity to flow, by generating direct current (DC).
The purpose of performance monitoring systems is diverse and include comparing performance to design expectations and guarantees as well as detecting and localizing faults.BS EN IEC 61724‑1 provides you the monitoring system which enables you identify the missing or invalid data, when the measured data should be checked and filtered, it either automatically or manually identify the missing or invalid data points and filter them out of the analysis.
In general, BS EN IEC 61724‑1 sets out the understanding that larger PV systems should have more monitoring points and higher accuracy sensors than smaller and lowest-cost PV systems.
BS EN IEC 61724‑1 outlines the rules which enables you to have performance monitoring system adapted to the photovoltaic (PV) system’s size and user requirements.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 61724‑1:2021 supersedes BS EN 61724‑1:2017, which is withdrawn.
BS EN IEC 61724‑1:2021 includes:
- Monitoring of bifacial systems is introduced
- Irradiance sensor requirements are updated
- Soiling measurement is updated based on new technology
- Class C monitoring systems are eliminated
- Various requirements, recommendations and explanatory notes are updated

