Rainwise – PVMet™ 200 Solar Monitoring Station

The PVMet™ 200 Solar Monitoring Station, proudly engineered by RainWise in the USA, is the best-selling commercial-grade solution designed to deliver precise, bankable data for optimizing photovoltaic (PV) system performance. This fully assembled, robust station provides comprehensive real-time measurements of solar irradiance, temperature, and wind conditions, empowering operators of utility-scale, commercial, or industrial solar projects to maximize energy efficiency, detect performance issues, and ensure sustainable operation with unmatched reliability.

Built for seamless integration and durability, the PVMet™ 200 arrives factory-calibrated and ready to deploy, featuring industry-standard Modbus RTU communication with an optional Ethernet Modbus TCP upgrade. Its rugged design, crafted from high-quality materials, ensures consistent performance in the harshest environments, making it the preferred choice for solar professionals seeking advanced monitoring to drive profitability and system longevity.

Key Features

• Dual Irradiance Sensors: Adjustable Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) sensor and a dedicated Plane-of-Array (POA) sensor with mounting bracket for precise solar radiation tracking.
• Dual Temperature Monitoring: Includes one Back-of-Panel (BOM) temperature sensor, with support for an optional second sensor for multi-panel setups.
• Wind Speed and Direction: Mini-aervane anemometer provides accurate wind data to assess environmental impacts on PV performance.
• Ambient Air Temperature Sensor: Housed in a passive solar radiation shield for precise, solar-insensitive readings.
• SunSpec Certified/Compliant: Ensures seamless integration with industry-standard protocols for inverters, SCADA, and data loggers.
• Robust Communication: Modbus RTU via RS-485/422, with optional Ethernet Modbus TCP for flexible connectivity.
• Rugged, Weather-Resistant Design: Constructed with durable materials like PVC, ABS, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum for extreme weather resilience.
• Plug-and-Play Installation: Ships fully assembled with a detachable mast section and screw-terminal connections for rapid deployment.

Technical Data

• Global Irradiance Sensor:
  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)
• Plane-of-Array (POA) Irradiance Sensor:
  Measurement Range: 0 to 1750 W/m²
  Accuracy: ±5%
  Resolution: 1 W/m²
  Mounting: Fixed bracket for PV panel side attachment
• 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
• Wind Speed and Direction (Mini-Aervane Anemometer):
  Speed Range: 0 to 67 m/s (0 to 150 mph)
  Speed Accuracy: Greater of 0.45 m/s (1 mph) or 5%
  Speed Threshold: 0.45 m/s at 10% deflection
  Speed Resolution: 1 m/s
  Direction Range: 0 to 360°
  Direction Accuracy: ±5°
• 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™ 200 stands out as a versatile, high-performance monitoring solution, offering comprehensive data to optimize PV systems of any scale. Its advanced sensors, including a dedicated POA irradiance sensor and mini-aervane anemometer, provide critical insights into environmental factors affecting performance, such as wind-induced panel movement or shading losses. The station’s low-maintenance design and robust construction ensure reliable operation in extreme climates, from arid deserts to coastal regions, while its low power consumption minimizes operational costs.

Backed by RainWise’s nearly five decades of expertise in meteorological equipment, the PVMet™ 200 is a trusted partner for solar operators seeking to enhance energy output, reduce downtime, and extend system longevity.