Distributed PV Sites Scattered and Hard to Connect? 4G/5G Point-to-Multipoint Self-Organizing Network SolutionDistributed photovoltaic power generation follows the principles of "local conditions, decentralized layout, and nearby utilization," and is rapidly expanding across factory rooftops, industrial parks, and remote stations. However, PV sites are inherently dispersed—a single project often includes dozens or even hundreds of generation points, spread across several or even dozens of kilometers. Each PV site needs to transmit data such as power generation, equipment status, and environmental parameters back to the dispatch center in real time. Laying fiber optics for each site is costly and time-consuming; using the public network raises security concerns. The networking needs of decentralized PV sites are highly compatible with the characteristics of point-to-multipoint self-organizing network solutions. 01 What Does Distributed PV Data Acquisition Actually Require?A typical PV site includes photovoltaic modules, inverters, combiner boxes, electricity meters, environmental monitors, and a communication manager. The communication manager is responsible for collecting on-site data and sending it to the dispatch center. These sites are scattered across different rooftops or plots of land, with no existing wired network. Each site requires an independent communication device to transmit power generation, equipment status, and environmental parameters in real time. The core requirements for the communication solution are: data must be transmitted reliably, securely, and quickly, and long-term operation must be cost-effective. 02 Core Logic of Self-Organizing Networks: Building a Dedicated Data Channel for Distributed SitesThe traditional method of data backhaul involves uploading each site's data to the cloud via the public network, with the dispatch center pulling data from the cloud. This approach raises security and stability concerns since data travels over the public internet. The point-to-multipoint self-organizing network solution, however, creates a dedicated data channel for PV sites using the 4G/5G network. The core concept is:
The core of this solution is "networking between SIM cards"—assigning each site a dedicated SIM card that allows communication between cards, so all sites and the dispatch center form their own private data network. This technical approach naturally aligns with the topology of distributed PV sites that require centralized aggregation. 03 Why Is a Self-Organizing Network Suitable for Distributed PV?No fiber optics needed for fast deployment. PV sites are located on different rooftops or plots, and fiber construction involves coordination, excavation, and splicing, which is time-consuming and costly. A self-organizing network uses 4G/5G wireless connectivity, so sites are online as soon as they're powered on, reducing deployment time from months to days. Data stays off the public network, ensuring security and control. PV data includes power generation, equipment parameters, and dispatch commands, which require a degree of security. The self-organizing network creates a private network isolated from the public internet, paired with encrypted transmission, to meet the security requirements of the power industry. No fixed public IP required for the dispatch center. In traditional solutions, the dispatch center needs a fixed public IP for sites to connect. Leasing a dedicated line and configuring a firewall is costly and time-consuming. With a self-organizing network, even if the dispatch center only has standard 4G/5G access, it can establish communication links with all sites. Flexible networking structures supported. Distributed PV projects may have dozens of sites, each needing to upload data to a central dispatch center—a classic point-to-multipoint topology. Self-organizing networks inherently support this "one center aggregating multiple sites" structure without requiring additional routing or VPN server configurations. 04 MovingComm's Role in PV Self-Organizing NetworksIn distributed PV self-organizing network projects, each site needs an industrial router to handle data acquisition and backhaul. The ComIn I2100 4G Industrial Router is designed for such scenarios. Compact size for tight spaces. PV combiner cabinets or communication boxes have limited internal space, leaving little room for communication equipment alongside the communication manager, switches, and encryption devices. The ComIn I2100 features a compact design, making it easy to fit into various PV combiner cabinets and communication boxes without taking up excessive space. Sufficient interfaces for hassle-free connectivity. The ComIn I2100 provides one Fast Ethernet WAN/LAN reusable port and one LAN port for connecting to the communication manager or local maintenance terminal. It also supports RS232/RS485 serial ports for direct connection to some legacy inverters or environmental monitors with serial outputs, eliminating the need for additional protocol conversion devices. 4G full-network compatibility for worry-free adaptation. PV sites are located in different urban or suburban areas with varying operator signal coverage. The ComIn I2100 supports 4G full-network compatibility, working with China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, and automatically adapts to different regional signal conditions to select the optimal network for access. Industrial-grade design for outdoor environments. PV combiner cabinets are often installed outdoors or in semi-outdoor environments, exposed to summer heat, winter cold, and rainy seasons. The ComIn I2100 is built with industrial-grade components, supports wide-temperature operation, and features multiple circuit protections including surge protection, ESD protection, and reverse-connection protection, ensuring stable operation in outdoor environments. Combined with a hardware watchdog design, the device can automatically reboot and recover in case of anomalies. APN/VPDN private network support. PV projects require a degree of data security. The ComIn I2100 supports APN/VPDN private network access, establishing encrypted communication links with the dispatch center via the operator's private network to meet the security requirements of the power industry. 05 Deployment ArchitectureThe deployment architecture of a distributed PV point-to-multipoint self-organizing network can be understood as follows: Site Layer (Data Acquisition End) : Each PV site deploys one ComIn I2100 industrial router, connected via Ethernet or serial ports to the communication manager or data collector. The router is equipped with a dedicated SIM card for access to the operator's network. Transmission Layer (Self-Organizing Network Channel) : All site routers connect through the operator's network to form a dedicated point-to-multipoint private network with the dispatch center's router. Sites and the center can communicate directly without going through the public internet. Center Layer (Data Aggregation End) : The dispatch center deploys a router (which can be a ComIn I2100 or a higher-performance ComIn I2350) as the data aggregation node, receiving upstream data from all PV sites and connecting via Ethernet or serial ports to the dispatch center's SCADA system or data server. The value of this architecture lies in: no fiber optics needed, all sites online when powered on; data stays off the public network for security and control; no fixed public IP required for the center, significantly lowering deployment barriers. ConclusionDistributed PV projects are still expanding, and sites will only become more dispersed. Given the high cost of fiber optics and security concerns with public networks, the point-to-multipoint self-organizing network solution offers a pragmatic balance of cost, security, and deployment efficiency. From data acquisition at sites to data aggregation at the center and secure communication links, the complete solution is being adopted by an increasing number of PV projects. |
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