Sunvec Weather Station

The required sensors in your weather station

Product Photo	Sensor
	Sensor Type: Irradiance Sensor Item Code: 3S-IS+ Product: Advanced Irradiance Sensor – 3S-IS+
	Sensor Type: Ambient Temperature Sensor PT1000 Item Code: 3S-AT-PT1000 Product: Ambient Temperature Sensor-PT1000 – 3S-AT-PT1000
	Sensor Type: Module Temperature Sensor PT1000 Item Code: 3S-MT-PT1000 Product: Module Temperature Sensor – 3S-MT-PT1000
	Sensor Type: Wind Speed Sensor Item Code: 3S-WS-PLS-P Product: Plastic Wind Speed Sensor with Pulse Output – 3S-WS-PLS-P
	Sensor Type: Wind Direction Sensor Item Code: 3S-WD-P Product: Plastic Wind Direction Sensor – 3S-WD-P
	Sensor Type: Relative Humidity & Ambient Temperature Sensor Item Code: 3S-RH&AT Product: Relative Humidity & Ambient Temperature Sensor – 3S-RH&AT

What sensors are included in a Sunvec Weather Station setup?

The logic of the setup is simple. Measure field conditions that directly effect energy production and send the data to the Sunvec datahub via RS485 Modbus RTU. A standard Sunvec weather station is built around the following sensors.

• Irradiance Sensor (PV pyranometer / reference cell): Measures solar irradiation, the most important input for a PV power plant. The SEVEN irradiance sensor is designed as a sensor box with an integrated cell temperature sensor that provides a temperature-compensated irradiation value. It also features up to four input ports for additional sensors and an RS485 output to a datahub.
• Ambient Temperature Sensor: Indicates how the production process is affected by temperature. Since module temperature can vary significantly from the surrounding air, this reading is a valuable input for plant analysis.
• Module Temperature Sensor: Mounted on the back of the panel to measure back surface temperature. Module temperature is one of the factors used in performance ratio (PR) calculations.
• Wind Speed Sensor: Measures wind speed and transmits the value to Datahub.
• Wind Direction Sensor: Measures horizontal wind direction.
• Relative Humidity Sensor: Measures the relative humidity in the plant. Like other external sensors, it connects to the irradiance sensor box.

How does Sunvec Weather Station help monitor performance ratio (PR)?

When sensors send their data to the Sunvec datahub, it becomes much easier to read metrics like PR. This is because you can compare the plant’s production with the conditions the plant actually experiences.

A simple example:

• If energy production is decreasing and irradiance is also decreasing, the cause is most likely the weather.
• If output drops while irradiance remains constant, this is a stronger indication to investigate dust accumulation, inverter behavior, shading, or string issues.

How to connect the Sunvec weather station to Datahub?

The weather station communicates with the Sunvec datahub via RS485 using Modbus RTU. A typical connection is as follows.

• RS485 A / Data (+), RS485 B / Data (–) and RS485 data ground are connected to an RS485 port on the datahub.
• The sensor box is powered by a DC source. The sensors operate with 12–30 VDC, 24 VDC is recommended.

Because the irradiance sensor functions like a hub, a single RS485 line carries all measurements to the datahub.

How are the sensors activated on Sunvec Weather Station?

The configuration is done automatically. Here’s a brief summary of the process.

1. Install the sensors on the PV plant according to the installation instructions in the user manual.
2. Connect the RS485 communication lines and power cables to the Sunvec datahub and a suitable power supply.
3. Select the sensor box on the datahub and it will be automatically configured.
4. Verify the live readings and confirm that the data is appearing on the Sunvec interface.

If you wish, our team can provide remote support for the commissioning process after installation.