Rainwise – PVMet™ 75 Solar Monitoring Station

The PVMet™ 75 Solar Monitoring Station by RainWise is an entry-level, budget-friendly solution engineered in the USA to deliver essential performance data for photovoltaic (PV) systems. Compact and lightweight, this fully assembled station provides accurate, real-time measurements of solar irradiance and temperature, empowering operators of residential, commercial, or small-scale solar projects to optimize efficiency, identify issues, and ensure sustainable energy production with minimal setup effort.

Designed for simplicity and reliability, the PVMet™ 75 arrives factory-calibrated and ready to install, integrating seamlessly with industry-standard systems via Modbus RTU or optional Ethernet Modbus TCP. Its durable construction and focused feature set make it an ideal choice for cost-conscious solar projects seeking professional-grade monitoring without complexity, ensuring your PV system performs at its best under any environmental condition.

Key Features

• Configurable Irradiance Sensor: RainWise silicon cell photo-diode pyranometer, adjustable for Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) or Plane-of-Array (POA) monitoring to match PV panel orientation.
• 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 shield for accurate readings unaffected by direct sunlight.
• SunSpec Certified/Compliant: Ensures compatibility with industry-standard protocols for easy integration with inverters and data loggers.
• Modbus RTU Communication: RS-485/422 interface with optional Ethernet Modbus TCP for flexible connectivity.
• Rugged and Lightweight Design: Built to withstand harsh weather using durable materials like PVC, ABS, and stainless steel.
• Quick Installation: Ships fully assembled and calibrated, operational in minutes with no special tools required.

Technical Data

• Irradiance Sensor (RainWise Silicon Cell Photo-Diode Pyranometer):
  Measurement Range: 0 to 1750 W/m²
  Accuracy: ±5%
  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): 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™ 75 is tailored for solar operators who need reliable, straightforward monitoring without the overhead of advanced features, making it perfect for smaller installations or budget-sensitive projects. Its robust design ensures consistent performance in extreme conditions, from freezing winters to humid summers, while its low power consumption and easy integration minimize operational costs.

Backed by RainWise’s expertise in meteorological equipment since 1974, the PVMet™ 75 delivers professional-grade data to optimize your PV system’s performance ratio and energy output. For more details or to incorporate this efficient monitoring solution into your solar project, visit RainWise’s website or contact their team at sales@rainwise.com.