The Sonel PVM-1020 kit is probably the world’s smallest photovoltaic system meter with such a substantial number of measurement functions. The functions are selected with a rotary switch. Additional parameters are set with buttons located on the housing. All buttons and the graphic display are backlit, which greatly facilitates operation in shaded places, e.g. when taking measurements under ground-mounted PV systems. Large memory significantly shortens preparation of documents after the measurement.
Sonel PVM-1020 Kit
Description
Sonel PVM-1020 kit for photovoltaic testing and commissioning
The Sonel PVM-1020 kit is probably the world’s smallest photovoltaic system meter with such a substantial number of measurement functions. The functions are selected with a rotary switch. Additional parameters are set with buttons located on the housing. All buttons and the graphic display are backlit, which greatly facilitates operation in shaded places, e.g. when taking measurements under ground-mounted PV systems. Large memory significantly shortens preparation of documents after the measurement.
Sonel PVM-1020 solar installation meter
Sonel PVM-1020 Features
- The Sonel PVM-1020 can be used for category 1 measurements according to IEC 62446-1.
- AUTO mode for performing a sequence of measurements after one press of the START button.
- It converts measured parameters into STC conditions according to IEC 60891 by cooperation with the IRM-1 solar radiation and temperature meter.
- reSYNC function – automatic completion of results with environmental parameters and their conversion to STC conditions after restoring connection with IRM-1.
- The built-in LoRa radio interface ensures cooperation with the IRM-1 meter over long distances.
- Built-in Bluetooth module for communication with a computer.
- Large measurement memory: 100 objects with 40 cells each.
- Backlit display and buttons.
Sonel PVM-1020 measured parameters
- The open circuit voltage of the PV panel or a chain of panels, up to 1000V DC.
- RMS voltage of the AC network up to 600 V with frequency measurement.
- Short circuit current of a PV panel or chain of panels – up to 20 A DC.
- Insulation resistance of PV panels – measuring voltage of 250, 500 or 1000 V, simultaneous measurement of two values: RISO+ and RISO-.
- Insulation resistance of AC circuits – measuring voltage 250, 500 or 1000 V.
- Resistance of protective conductors and equipotential bonding with ± 200 mA current. Low-current resistance measurement, audible and visual signalling.
- Measurement of PV panels operating current and AC current – all with external clamp.
- AC/DC power Measurement.
- Diode test with 200 mA current, automatic polarity detection. Test of blocking diodes with 1000V DC voltage.
Sonel PVM-1020 communication and software
Measurement data from the PVM-1020 can be transferred to a computer via Bluetooth wireless communication. Saving the downloaded data to popular formats and printing ensured by Sonel Reader. In order to generate a report on electric shock protection use the optional software: Sonel Reports PLUS.
Trouble? reSYNC!
It may happen that in the course of measurements the Sonel PVM-1020 moves away from the Sonel IRM-1. So far, that communication between them is lost. Measurements can continued to be made, then after the connection is restored, the results will be automatically supplemented with environmental parameters which in the meantime were recorded by the Sonel IRM-1 in its temporary memory to be converted into STC conditions.
Sonel IRM-1 solar radiation and temperature meter
The Sonel IRM-1 is a small, but indispensable for testing 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. A built-in recorder with a memory of 5000 records enables the instrument to be used as a tool in the PV plant design process, as well as to diagnose panel shading problems.
Sonel IRM-1 features
- Measurement of solar radiation and temperature.
- The LoRa interface for communication with the PVM-1020 meter – offers a larger range than the Bluetooth technology!
- Automatic data synchronization with the 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).
Sonel IRM-1 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.
Sonel IRM-1 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.
Sonel IRM-1 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
Other solar PV photovoltaic installation test kits are available
Technical Specification
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PVM-1020 | Specifications
Parameter Measurement range Display range Resolution Accuracy Voltage AC voltage 0.0 V…600.0 V 0.0 V…600.0 V 0.1 V ±(2% m.v. + 2 digits) DC voltage 0.0 V…1000.0 V 0.0 V…1000.0 V 0.1 V ±(0.5% m.v. + 2 digits) Short circuit current ISC 0.0…20.0 A 0.0…20.0 A 0.1 A ±(1% m.v. + 2 digits) Insulation resistance Insulation resistance at AC side Measuring voltage 250 V 250 kΩ…2.000 GΩ acc. to IEC 61557-2 0.0 kΩ…2.000 GΩ from 0.1 kΩ ±(3% m.v. + 8 digits) Measuring voltage 500 V 250 kΩ…5.000 GΩ acc. to IEC 61557-2 0.0 kΩ…5.000 GΩ from 0.1 kΩ ±(3% m.v. + 8 digits) Measuring voltage 1000 V 500 kΩ…9.999 GΩ acc. to IEC 61557-2 0.0 kΩ…9.999 GΩ from 0.1 kΩ ±(3% m.v. + 8 digits) Insulation resistance at DC side Measuring voltage 250 V / 500 V / 1000 V 250 kΩ…1.000 GΩ acc. to IEC 61557-2 0.0 kΩ…1.000 GΩ from 0.1 kΩ ±(3% m.v. + 8 digits) Resistance of protective conductors and equipotential bondings Measurement of resistance of protective conductors and equipotential bondings with ±200 mA current 0.10 Ω…1999 Ω acc. to IEC 61557-4 0.00 Ω…1999 Ω from 0.01 Ω ±(2% m.v. + 3 digits) Measurement of resistance with low current 0.0 Ω…1999 Ω 0.0 Ω…1999 Ω from 0.01 Ω ±(3% m.v. + 3 digits) Current measurement 0.0 A…400.0 A 0.0 A…400.0 A from 0.01 Ω ±(5% m.v. + 2 digits) Power measurement 0.0 kW…100.0 kW 0.0 kW…100.0 kW 0.1 kW ±(6% m.v. + 5 digits) “m.v.” – measured value
IRM-1 | Specifications
Parameter Measurement range Display range Resolution Accuracy Irradiance Measurement in W/m2 0 W/m2 …1400 W/m2 0 W/m2 …1400 W/m2 1 W/m2 ±(5% m.v. + 2 digits) Measurement in BTU/ft2 h 0 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
