Rainwise – PVMet™ 150 Solar Monitoring Station

The PVMet™ 150 Solar Monitoring Station, engineered by RainWise in the USA, is a precision utility-grade solution designed to deliver high-accuracy data for optimizing photovoltaic (PV) system performance. This fully assembled, professional-grade station provides real-time, bankable measurements of solar irradiance and temperature, empowering operators of utility-scale, commercial, or industrial solar projects to maximize energy yield, detect inefficiencies, and ensure sustainable operation with unparalleled reliability.

Crafted for seamless integration and durability, the PVMet™ 150 arrives factory-calibrated and ready to deploy, supporting industry-standard Modbus RTU communication with an optional Ethernet Modbus TCP upgrade. Its robust design, featuring high-quality materials, ensures consistent performance in the harshest environments, making it the go-to choice for solar professionals seeking precise, actionable insights to drive efficiency and profitability.

Key Features

• High-Precision Pyranometer: Available with ISO 9060:1990 and WMO second-class, first-class, or secondary standard thermopile pyranometers for superior accuracy.
• Adjustable Irradiance Sensor: Configurable for Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) or Plane-of-Array (POA) to align with PV panel orientation, with an optional second irradiance sensor.
• Dual Temperature Monitoring: Includes one Back-of-Panel (BOM) temperature sensor, with support for an optional second sensor for enhanced coverage.
• Ambient Air Temperature Sensor: Housed in a passive solar radiation shield for precise readings unaffected by solar heating.
• SunSpec Certified/Compliant: Ensures seamless integration with industry-standard protocols for inverters and SCADA systems.
• Robust Communication: Modbus RTU via RS-485/422, with optional Ethernet Modbus TCP for versatile connectivity.
• Rugged Design: Built with durable materials like PVC, ABS, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum for extreme weather resilience.
• Easy Installation: Ships fully assembled with a detachable mast section and screw-terminal connections for quick deployment.

Technical Data

• Irradiance Sensor (Thermopile Pyranometer):
  Standards: ISO 9060:1990 and WMO second-class, first-class, or secondary standard
  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)
  Cable Length: 7.62m (25 ft)
• 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): 26cm x 20.3cm x 20.3cm (10.25″ x 8″ x 8″)
• Weight: 0.8kg (1 lb. 12 oz.)
• Compliance: RoHS, lead-free
• Warranty: 2 years

The PVMet™ 150 is tailored for solar operators who demand the highest accuracy in monitoring critical PV performance metrics. Its thermopile pyranometer delivers superior precision compared to silicon cell alternatives, ensuring bankable data for large-scale projects. The station’s compact, lightweight design and versatile mounting options, including the RainWise Mono Mount, make installation effortless, while its low-maintenance construction withstands extreme climates, from arid deserts to humid coastal regions.

Backed by RainWise’s nearly five decades of expertise in meteorological equipment, the PVMet™ 150 empowers solar professionals to optimize energy output, minimize downtime, and enhance system longevity.