Solarmeter 10.0 Photovoltaics

The Solarmeter model 10.0 meter is a professional instrument used to measure light intensity. Used all over the world by companies assembling photovoltaics.

The meter has certyfikat kalibracji WRR.

Solarmeter is an American brand recognized all over the world. Since 1991, it has been producing the highest quality measuring instruments manufactured in the USA. We are a direct distributor of Solarmeter meters in Poland.

RELATED TO SOLARMETER 10.0:

SOLARMETER family of meters

Directions for use:

Point the meter at the light source and press a button on the meter. The reading is displayed on the screen. The meter is powered by a standard 9V battery. With typical use, it is enough for 2 years of work.

Proper use of photovoltaic radiometer:

• when measuring intense light, wear sunglasses
• the meter should be directed directly at the sun to obtain the maximum measurement value
• point the sensor in the same direction as the PV panel to get the correct measurement
• change PV positions for the best position
• the maximum position of the solar noon will vary throughout the year
• do not expose the meter to extreme temperatures, humidity, shocks or dust
• use a dry, soft cloth to clean the device. Keep the sensor free of oil, dirt, etc.

Proper assessment of the power of the PV panel:

Before you begin, specify the following information from the module manufacturer:

• Effective active area for photovoltaic cells in square meters ____
• PV cell efficiency as a percentage of input to output power in ____%
• EFFICIENCY OF DC to AC conversion of photovoltaic cell modules in ____%
• Save the temperature from the back of the ____° C module

This is best done when the sun shines directly on the module at noon. Angles of 35 ° and greater than the sun will increase the error % during the measurement.

Example calculation with PV meter reading 1000 W / m² perpendicular to a 10 m² system with an active area of 10 m², cell efficiency 14%, transducer efficiency 95%, 40°C:

• Effective active area for photovoltaic cells in square meters of 10 m²
• PV cell efficiency as input to output power 14%
• DC to AC conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cell modules in the array 95%
• Record the temperature near the back of the module 40 ° C
• Solarmeter Model 10.0 PV Reading 1000 W/m²
(1000 W/m²) x (10 m²) = 10000 W incoming solar energy
(10000 W) x (0.14) cell efficiency = 1400 W
(1400 W) x (0.95) conversion efficiency = 1330 W

Typical temperature coefficient loss for PV cells is -0.5% / ° C above 25 ° C
40°C - 25°C = 15°C; (15°C) x (0.5%/°C) = efficiency 7.5% or 92.5%
(1300 W) x (0.925) = 1230.25

Small wiring and loss of components by ~1% reduces PV power to ~1218W.

Energy production over time:

The above value of 1218 W is a "momentary" number. Energy is measured in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh), so if the intensity of solar radiation remains constant for an hour near noon, the energy produced will be 1218 Wh.

To estimate the power throughout the day, read every hour and apply the calculations above. Then add up the Watt value of each hour x the number of daylight hours. Expect the value to rise in summer and fall in winter.