Indias CEA mandates weather stations to boost solar and wind accuracy

India has made it compulsory for all solar and wind power projects above 50 MW capacity to install Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), following new technical guidelines issued by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in July 2025. This move is aimed at improving real-time data collection, forecasting accuracy, and the overall reliability of renewable energy on the national grid.

Each eligible renewable energy site must have a dedicated AWS setup on a clear, securely fenced 10×10 metre area. For solar plants, the station must reflect local terrain conditions, with sensors aligned to the photovoltaic module’s tilt and orientation. Wind projects are required to place the AWS in open areas free from turbulence or structural obstructions to ensure unaltered wind data. The station must include a 10-metre anodized aluminium mast supported by stainless steel guy wires and mounted on a concrete base. Key sensors—covering air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, rainfall, and solar irradiance—must meet defined accuracy standards and be placed at prescribed distances for consistent readings.

A Data Acquisition System (DAS) must connect directly to all sensors without external signal converters. It should store encrypted data for at least 30 days, sync time via satellite (preferably using India’s NAVIC system), and function during power outages. Remote access is permitted only under emergency conditions, and the system must include a local display with a user-friendly interface. To ensure secure and continuous communication, the AWS must have dual-SIM 3G/4G/5G capabilities and transmit data in real time to central agencies like IMD and NCMRWF. The system should also integrate with local SCADA setups and follow strict cybersecurity protocols, including IP whitelisting, firewalls, and a 180-day data log retention requirement.

Power for the AWS must be supplied by solar-based maintenance-free batteries capable of running independently for up to 20 days. All equipment must be housed in weatherproof, FRP-based enclosures rated IP66 to withstand extreme environmental conditions. With these new standards, CEA aims to standardize weather monitoring across renewable projects, reduce forecasting errors, and enable better planning for India’s green energy transition.

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Indias CEA mandates weather stations to boost solar and wind accuracy