The PVMet™ 500 delivers a customizable, multi-point monitoring solution that provides reliable energy management on any solar project. Choose up to three Irradiance Sensors and three Back-of-Panel Temperature Sensors along with three standard sensor options and an optional Ultra Sonic Anemometer, Mini Aervane, or Rain Gauge. Simple to install on any solar project, the PVMet 500 connects to Modbus RTU Communication with an ethernet TCP option available. Ships fully assembled and factory calibrated.
Product Overview
The PVMet™ 500 Solar Monitoring Station, engineered by RainWise in the USA, is the world’s first fully customizable, professional-grade weather station designed specifically for photovoltaic (PV) efficiency monitoring. This advanced, modular solution delivers precise, bankable data across multiple environmental parameters, empowering operators of commercial and utility-scale solar projects to optimize energy yield, ensure IEC 61724-1 compliance, and enhance system longevity with unparalleled flexibility and reliability.
With its ability to support up to three irradiance sensors, three back-of-panel temperature sensors, and a suite of optional weather sensors, the PVMet™ 500 adapts to any solar project’s unique needs. Arriving fully assembled and factory-calibrated, it integrates seamlessly with SCADA systems via Modbus RTU or optional Ethernet Modbus TCP, offering a robust, low-maintenance solution that thrives in the harshest environments, transforming solar installations into sustainable, high-performing assets.
Key Features
- Customizable Irradiance Monitoring: Supports up to three irradiance sensors (Global, Plane-of-Array, or albedo for bifacial PV) using thermopile or silicon diode technologies.
- Comprehensive Temperature Tracking: Includes one Back-of-Panel (BOM) temperature sensor, with support for up to three for multi-panel monitoring.
- Optional Weather Sensors: Choose from an ultrasonic anemometer, mini-aervane, or tipping bucket rain gauge for enhanced environmental insights.
- Standard Sensors Included: Ambient temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure sensors for complete environmental profiling.
- SunSpec Certified/Compliant: Ensures seamless integration with industry-standard protocols for inverters and data loggers.
- Robust Communication: Modbus RTU via RS-485/422, with optional Ethernet Modbus TCP for versatile SCADA connectivity.
- Rugged, Weather-Resistant Design: Built with durable materials like PVC, ABS, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum to withstand extreme conditions.
- Plug-and-Play Installation: Ships fully assembled with detachable mast and screw-terminal connections for rapid deployment.
Technical Data
- Irradiance Sensors (Thermopile or Silicon Diode):
Standards: ISO 9060:1990 and WMO second-class, first-class, or secondary standard (thermopile); silicon diode options available
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 (10K PTC Thermistor):
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 - Relative Humidity Sensor:
Range: 0 to 100% RH
Accuracy: ±3% RH
Resolution: 0.1% RH - Barometric Pressure Sensor:
Range: 500 to 1100 hPa
Accuracy: ±1 hPa
Resolution: 0.1 hPa - Optional Ultrasonic Anemometer:
Speed Range: 0 to 60 m/s (0 to 134 mph)
Speed Accuracy: ±3% or 0.3 m/s
Direction Accuracy: ±3°
Resolution: 0.1 m/s, 1° - Optional 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
Direction Accuracy: ±5°
Resolution: 1 m/s, 1° - Optional Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge:
Collector Diameter: 20.32cm (8″)
Resolution: 0.01 inch (0.254 mm)
Accuracy: ±2% (meets NWS specifications) - 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
Default Modbus Address: 60 (configurable via register 200) - 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, IEC 61724-1
- Warranty: 2 years
The PVMet™ 500 redefines solar monitoring with its modular, customizable platform, tailored to meet the demands of modern PV systems, including bifacial module technology. Its support for multiple high-end sensors, such as thermopile pyranometers and ultrasonic anemometers, delivers unmatched precision for tracking global, plane-of-array, and albedo irradiance, as well as critical environmental factors like wind and rain that impact panel performance. The station’s low-maintenance design and robust construction ensure reliable operation in extreme climates, from scorching deserts to humid coastal regions, while its low power consumption minimizes operational costs.
Backed by RainWise’s nearly five decades of expertise and trusted by over 8,000 PV installations worldwide since 2010, the PVMet™ 500 is the ultimate tool for solar operators seeking to maximize energy output, reduce downtime, and achieve compliance with international standards.
