The Sonel IRM-1 is a small but indispensable meter for the of testing solar PV systems. By measuring solar radiation values, as well as panel and ambient temperatures, it provides the necessary data to convert the results into STC conditions. The meter has a built in recorder with a memory capable of storing 5000 records. This enables the instrument to be used as a tool in the PV plant design process as well helping to diagnose panel shading problems.
Sonel IRM-1
Description
Sonel IRM-1 Irradiance Meter
The Sonel IRM-1 is a small but indispensable meter for the of testing solar PV systems. By measuring solar radiation values, as well as panel and ambient temperatures, it provides the necessary data to convert the results into STC conditions. The meter has a built in recorder with a memory capable of storing 5000 records. This enables the instrument to be used as a tool in the PV plant design process as well helping to diagnose panel shading problems.
Features
- Measurement of solar radiation and temperature.
- The LoRa interface for communication with the Sonel PVM-1020 meter – offers a larger range than the Bluetooth technology!
- Automatic data synchronization with the Sonel PVM-1020 meter.
- Built-in compass and inclination sensor.
- Built-in recorder that can be used to record solar radiation before constructing PV systems, as well as to measure the shading of existing systems.
- Large measurement memory: 999 cache memory cells and 5000 recorder records available (one-time recording) with the option of overwriting them (continuous recording).
Measured parameters
- Solar radiation intensity (irradiance) in W/m2 or BTU/ft2 h.
- PV panel temperature in °C or °F.
- Ambient temperature in °C or °F.
- Inclination angle of panels
- Orientation of the panels with the built-in compass.
Tightness and durability
Light meters perform well in harsh environmental conditions. Protection against the ingress of dust and water is provided by the housing rated at IP65. This is especially important for measurements on photovoltaic systems, which are outdoor installations.
Communication and software
Measurement data from the Sonel IRM-1 can be transferred to a computer via the USB port. In addition, the device has a built-in wireless LoRa interface (Long Range) for automatic data exchange with the Sonel PVM-1020 meter – even over long distances.
Solar PV Test Kits
The Sonel IRM-1 can be found in the following test kits
Technical Specification
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Specifications
Parameter Measurement range Display range Resolution Accuracy Irradiance Measurement in W/m2 100 W/m2 …1400 W/m2 0 W/m2 …1400 W/m2 1 W/m2 ±(5% m.v. + 2 digits) Measurement in BTU/ft2 h 32 BTU/ft2 h…444 BTU/ft2 h 0 BTU/ft2 h…444 BTU/ft2 h 1 BTU/ft2 h ±(5% m.v. + 2 digits) PV and ambient temperature Measurement in °C -20.0°C…100.0°C -20.0°C…100.0°C 0.1°C ±(1% m.v. + 5 digits) Measurement in °F -4.0°F…212.0°F 4.0°F…212.0°F 0.1°F ±(1% m.v. + 5 digits) Inclination angle -90°…+90° -90°…+90° 1° ±2° Position direction – compass 0°…360° 0°…360° 1° ±5° “m.v.” – measured value
