SCADA & Solar Glossary
The definitive reference for utility-scale telemetry, integration, and commissioning terminology.
- SCADA
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. The software and hardware architecture used to monitor, control, and analyze the performance of a utility-scale solar plant.
- DAS
- Data Acquisition System. The network of sensors (MET stations, pyranometers, inverter monitors) that collects granular performance data across the array.
- FAT
- Factory Acceptance Testing. The phase where SCADA logic and hardware enclosures are tested on the bench before shipping to the site.
- SAT
- Site Acceptance Testing. The on-site validation where point-to-point connections are verified, ensuring the utility receives accurate telemetry.
- OTDR
- Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer. An instrument used to characterize an optical fiber, allowing technicians to find degraded splices or micro-bends that cause data loss.
- COD
- Commercial Operation Date. The day a solar facility is officially permitted to generate and sell power to the grid.
- RTAC
- Real-Time Automation Controller. A ruggedized industrial computer (often manufactured by SEL) used as the primary data concentrator and logic engine in utility substations.