CEA Issues Comprehensive Guidelines for AWS in Solar and Wind Power Projects Above 50 MW
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued comprehensive technical guidelines mandating the installation of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at solar and wind power plants of 50 MW and above, aiming to enhance RE generation accuracy, grid reliability, and regulatory compliance through real-time meteorological monitoring.
July 08, 2025. By Mrinmoy Dey
CEA noted that accurate measurement of critical meteorological parameters would optimise renewable energy (RE) generation. Also, it would improve overall generation predictability, efficiency, enhance grid reliability and ensure regulatory compliance.
“There is need to install Automatic Weather Stations in Solar and Wind Power Plants,” it said further adding that all Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs) should suitably include the requirement of Automatic Weather Stations in bid documents.
The guidelines, titled ‘CEA Guidelines for Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) for Solar and Wind Power Plants’, underscore the critical role of meteorological data in optimising generation, enhancing forecast accuracy, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The guideline specifies that the Automatic Weather Station (AWS) should be installed at a location within the renewable energy project site. “For solar power plants, the AWS should be located in terrain that closely resembles the overall site conditions, with irradiance sensors mounted at the same tilt and orientation as the photovoltaic modules,” it said.
For wind power projects, the AWS must be positioned in areas that reflect the true wind regime of the site, turbulence zones, or artificial barriers. “Typically, one AWS per RE plant is to be installed for 50 MW and above RE (or as per respective SERC regulation) capacity connected at intra state network and ISTS connected RE plants shall be governed by respective regulations of CERC,” it specified.
A standard installation area of 10m x 10m is prescribed, along with robust fencing and a tilt-adjustable mast of 10m height. The AWS must measure a suite of parameters, including irradiance (GHI/GII), wind speed and direction, temperature, pressure, humidity, and rainfall, with high-precision sensors such as thermopile-based pyranometers, ultrasonic wind sensors, and siphon tipping bucket rain gauges.
Emphasising secure data collection, transmission, and storage, the guidelines mandate AES-256 encryption, satellite-based time synchronisation (preferably NAVIC), and strong access controls. Integration with plant SCADA systems is permitted, subject to cybersecurity risk assessments and firewall deployment.
The guideline further specified that the AWS should be solar-powered with maintenance-free batteries, ensuring 20 days of autonomy. Dual-SIM modems compatible with 3G/4G/5G networks are required for secure real-time data transmission to IMD and NCMRWF servers.
In line with WMO standards, the data acquisition system (DAS) must perform onboard QC checks, including gross error detection, consistency verification, and inter-sensor validation.
The guidelines mandated that AWS data must be shared in encrypted form at defined intervals (1 to 15 minutes) using Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) to pre-approved IP addresses, ensuring seamless integration with national forecasting models. It also emphasises provisions for regular calibration, maintenance, and system upgrades to support evolving technologies.
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