Mar 15 2010
SMA America provides a range of solar monitoring systems that includes the Sunny SensorBox. This system monitors the solar module temperature and solar irradiation constantly, with the help of integrated sensors. The output of the PV array is calculated using data such as module temperature and solar irradiation. The PV array output is compared with the actual output from the inverter. This helps to identify and rectify energy yield reductions.
Sunny SensorBox Solar Monitoring System
The Sunny SensorBox solar monitoring device can be easily connected to a photovoltaic array. The data from the monitoring system is transferred through an RS485 data link to the Sunny WebBox. The Sunny WebBox sends the data either to the Sunny Portal or a personal computer for data processing. The Sunny SensorBox has the capacity to accommodate a maximum of three additional sensors that include the wind speed sensor, ambient temperature sensor and extra irradiance sensor. This helps to obtain more accurate performance data.
The attachable platinum sensor, offered with the solar monitoring device, can identify module temperature in the range between -4 and +230 degree Fahrenheit. The Sunny SensorBox receives power from an external supply and consumes low power. The monitoring device, available from SMA America, can function in a temperature range of -13 to +140 degree Fahrenheit. This solar monitoring system measures 4.7 inches in width, 2.0 inches in depth and 3.5 inches in height. The weight of the Sunny SensorBox is 1.1 pounds.