Rainwise – PVMet™ 100 Solar Monitoring Station

The PVMet™ 100 Solar Monitoring Station, crafted by RainWise, is a compact, cost-effective solution designed to optimize photovoltaic (PV) system performance through precise environmental monitoring. This fully assembled, plug-and-play system delivers real-time, bankable data on critical parameters like solar irradiance and temperature, enabling solar professionals to maximize energy yield, detect inefficiencies, and make informed decisions. Tailored for utility-scale, commercial, or residential solar setups, the PVMet™ 100 ensures seamless integration with industry-standard systems, offering reliability and ease of use in a rugged, weather-resistant package.

With its focus on PV-specific metrics, the PVMet™ 100 eliminates unnecessary complexity, providing actionable insights that enhance system longevity and profitability. Its durable design and factory calibration mean it’s ready to deploy in minutes, minimizing downtime and costs. Whether you’re managing a solar farm or a rooftop array, this station empowers you to monitor performance with confidence, ensuring your investment thrives under any environmental condition.

Key Features

• Adjustable Irradiance Sensor: Configurable for Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) or Plane-of-Array (POA) to align with PV panel orientation.
• Dual Temperature Monitoring: Includes one Back-of-Panel (BOM) sensor with an optional second sensor for multi-panel setups.
• SunSpec Certified/Compliant: Ensures compatibility with industry-standard protocols for seamless integration.
• Modbus RTU Communication: RS-485/422 serial port with optional Ethernet Modbus TCP upgrade for SCADA and data logger connectivity.
• Rugged, Weather-Resistant Design: Built with durable materials like PVC, ABS, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum to withstand harsh conditions.
• Plug-and-Play Installation: Fully assembled and factory-calibrated for immediate deployment.
• Low Power Consumption: Operates on 10-30 VDC at less than 50mA, ideal for energy-efficient setups.

Technical Data

• Irradiance Sensor (EKO ML-01E):
  Measurement Range: 0 to 1750 W/m²
  Accuracy: ±5%
  Cosine Response: ±1% at 45°, ±5% at 75°
  Resolution: 1 W/m²
  Operating Temperature: -25°C to 55°C (-13°F to 131°F)
• Back-of-Panel (BOM) Temperature Sensor:
  Range: -40°C to 80°C (-40°F to 176°F)
  Accuracy: ±0.3°C (±0.54°F)
  Resolution: 0.1°C
  Thermal Time Constant: 270 seconds
  Cable Length: 7.62m (25 ft)
• Ambient Air Temperature Sensor:
  Range: -40°C to 80°C (-40°F to 176°F)
  Accuracy: ±0.3°C (±0.54°F)
  Resolution: 0.1°C
  Thermal Time Constant: 30 seconds
  Housing: Passive solar radiation shield
• Communication:
  Protocol: Modbus RTU (RS-485/422, 2-wire half-duplex)
  Baud Rate: Up to 9600
  Poll Rate: 100 ms (max)
  Optional: Ethernet Modbus TCP
• Power Requirements: 10-30 VDC, <50mA
• Operating Conditions: -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F), 0-100% RH (condensing)
• Materials: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), stainless steel, anodized aluminum, Lexan®, Delrin
• Dimensions (Packaged): 58.42cm x 25.4cm x 20.32cm (23″ x 10″ x 8″)
• Weight: 2.26kg (5 lbs.)
• Compliance: RoHS, lead-free
• Warranty: 2 years

The PVMet™ 100 stands out as a purpose-built solution that prioritizes precision and efficiency, delivering only the data solar operators need without the clutter of extraneous features. Its robust construction ensures reliable performance in extreme climates, from scorching deserts to humid coastal regions, while its low-maintenance design reduces operational overhead. By providing granular insights into irradiance and temperature, the station helps identify performance issues like shading or thermal losses, enabling proactive maintenance and optimized energy output.

Backed by RainWise’s decades of expertise in environmental monitoring, the PVMet™ 100 is more than a tool—it’s a partner in achieving sustainable, high-performing solar operations. For more information or to integrate this cutting-edge station into your PV system, visit RainWise’s website and take the first step toward smarter solar monitoring.