2.2.3 Meteorological and Solar Test Instruments
Links of manufacturers and/or suppliers for this section: PDF
2.2.3.a. Solar Power
Specifications:
- Li-cor LI200SA pyranometer – irradiance meter
- Li-cor LI250A light meter
- Li-cor 2003S mounting and leveling fixture
- Hand-held solar irradiance meter (Daystar DS-05A)
Suggested Quantity: One irradiance meter (pyranometer), light meter, and mounting and leveling fixture; one hand-held Daystar meter for every 4 to 5 participants preferred.
Importance Rating:Essential
Comments:These tools are used to measure instantaneous solar power and correlate with array and system output. In addition to being used in the laboratory, the handheld Daystar meter (approximately $150) can be used for routine measurements of solar power in the field and during commissioning.
2.2.3.b. Meteorological Station
Specifications:
- Li-cor LI-200SL-50 pyranometer (50′ cable, standardized millivolt adapter)
- Li-cor 2003S mounting and leveling fixture
- Wind speed and temperature gauge
Suggested Quantity: One set.
Importance Rating:Desirable, but not essential.
Comments:The meteorological station can be permanently installed on PV arrays for long-term monitoring of solar and meteorological conditions.
2.2.3.c. Current-Voltage (I-V) Tester
Specifications:
- Li-cor 2003S mounting and leveling fixture
- Daystar DS-100C I-V Curve Tracer for testing PV arrays up to 50 kW (optional, advanced test instrument)
- Solmetric PVA 600 I-V curve string analyzer
Suggested Quantity: One tester to share.
Importance Rating: Desirable to essential (depends on the scope of training).
Comments:As the PV industry matures, the need for advanced diagnostic equipment is becoming more and more important for Operations & Maintenance (O&M) testing.