• Monitoring the intensity of visible light and aging
• Measuring the performance of solar panels
• Measuring solar radiation outdoors
• Estimating photovoltaic performance
Modell: | 10.0 |
Output range: | 0-1999 W/m² |
Measurement range: | 940 nm |
Bandwidth: | 400-1100 nm |
Resolution: | 1 W/m² |
Conversion speed: | 3.0 displays /Sek. |
Display: | 3.5-digit LCD |
Digit size: | 10,2 mm high |
Operating temperature: | 0°C – 37,8°C |
Operating humidity: | 5% – 80% |
Accuracy: | ±5% REF.NIST |
Dimensions: | L: 61 x B: 22 x H: 108 mm |
Weight: | 150 g |
Operating Voltage: | 9 V (Block Battery) |
Detector: | Silicon photodiode |
Lens: | UV Glas |
Diffusor: | Teflon |
Sensor:
AIGaN photodiode with filter. Operation of the device:
To operate your Solarmeter, align the sensor window on the top of the device directly with a light source. Press and hold the pressure switch on the front of the device. For best results, note the distance from the source to ensure repeatable measurements. The battery operating voltage is adjustable from 9 V down to 6.5 V. Below 6.5 V, the numbers on the LCD display start to fade, indicating the need for a battery replacement. With typical usage, a standard 9V battery lasts about 2 years.
Correct use of the Solarmeter®:
• Wear tinted glasses or sunglasses when testing intense sunlight. • Point the sensor directly at the sun to see the maximum solar radiation as a reference. • Point the sensor in the same direction as the solar panel to see the irradiance hitting the module. • Reposition the solar panel if necessary to get the best average position. • The direction of maximum solar radiation at noon naturally varies throughout the year. **Correct estimation of the solar panel’s performance:
Before starting, gather the following information from the module field manufacturer: – Effective active area for the solar cells in square meters ____ m²
– Efficiency of the solar cells in percentage of input to output power ____ %. –
DC-AC conversion efficiency of the solar cells in the panel ____ %.
– Also, measure the temperature near the back of the panel ____ °C. It is best to do this when the sun is directly shining on the module around noon. The likelihood of measurement errors increases when the angle is more than about 35° of direct sunlight. Example calculation with a photovoltaic meter showing 1000 W/m² perpendicular to a 10 m module with 10 m² active area, 14% cell efficiency, 95% converter efficiency, 40°C:
1000 W/m² x 10 m² = 10000 Watts of incoming solar power • 10000 W x 0.14 (cell efficiency) = 1400 Watts
• 1400 W x 0.95 (conversion efficiency) = 1330 Watts The typical temperature coefficient loss for solar cells is -0.5% per °C above 25°C… or 7.5% for 40°C in this example (15° x 0.5% = 7.5% loss or 92.5% of the above value). So, • 1330 W x 0.925 = 1230 Watts. Finally, a small wiring and component loss of about 1% reduces the panel power to about 1218 W. Energy generation over time:
The above value of 1218 Watts is a “momentary” number. Energy is measured in Watt-hours (or Kilowatt-hours). If the solar radiation remained constant for one hour around noon, the generated energy would be 1218 Wh. To estimate performance throughout the day, take measurements every hour and apply the above examples. Then, add the value of each hour x the number of hours to get the daily Watt-hours. Naturally, the value increases in the summer, peaking around June 21st in the northern hemisphere, and decreases in the winter, reaching its lowest point around the winter solstice on December 21st. In the southern hemisphere, it is the reverse. Care and maintenance:
• Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures, humidity, shocks, or dust. If the device is accidentally exposed to excessive moisture or wet conditions, unusually high readings may occur. Let the device dry naturally or place it in a bag with silica gel to restore normal function. • Use a very soft cloth to clean the device.
Keep the sensor free from oil, dirt, etc.