Photovoltaic Weather Stations Enable Precise, All-Weather Monitoring of PV Plants

The photovoltaic (PV) weather station is a highly integrated monitoring device designed specifically for the PV sector. It provides continuous, all-weather monitoring of eight core meteorological and module parameters. Utilizing high-precision sensing technology for stable data acquisition and supporting simultaneous multi-interface output, it is ideally suited for long-term O&M monitoring across various outdoor PV plants.

Developed specifically for the PV industry, this weather station features a highly integrated design that combines multiple core monitoring functions essential for plant O&M. It is widely used for environmental monitoring and data analysis at outdoor PV plants, providing precise data to support the assessment of power generation efficiency and the optimization of plant operations and maintenance.

The device integrates eight monitoring parameters—wind speed, wind direction, air temperature and humidity, atmospheric pressure, total global solar radiation (thermopile-based), cumulative daily radiation, and module back-sheet temperature—eliminating the need for installing multiple separate devices. It enables 24-hour uninterrupted online monitoring and outputs all parameters simultaneously via a digital communication interface, significantly simplifying the deployment and commissioning process. The device employs advanced sensing technology: wind speed and wind direction are measured using continuous variable-frequency ultrasonic phase detection, allowing for full-range wind field data capture without the limitations of a starting wind speed threshold. High-precision sensors are used for temperature, humidity, pressure, radiation, and back-sheet temperature, ensuring high measurement accuracy and fine resolution to precisely reflect real-time environmental conditions at the PV plant.

In terms of structural and process design, the PV weather station is fully adapted to complex outdoor operating conditions. The top-mounted, concealed ultrasonic probe prevents interference from accumulated rain or snow and wind obstruction. The thermopile radiation sensor supports an adjustable tilt angle (0–50°), and the back-sheet temperature sensor connects via a 6-port expansion box for parallel installation, accommodating various mounting scenarios and reducing on-site commissioning complexity. A snap-fit probe structure effectively prevents equipment loosening or data deviations during transport and installation. The main body is constructed from ASA engineering plastic, ensuring long-term outdoor durability by maintaining its appearance and resisting discoloration or aging. This photovoltaic weather station offers outstanding operational stability and practicality. It features an internal watchdog circuit and automatic reset function, ensuring strong resistance to environmental interference and effectively preventing system failures caused by complex outdoor conditions. With no moving parts and zero mechanical wear, the unit requires no periodic on-site calibration, enabling maintenance-free operation. It boasts low power consumption (as low as 0.8W) and supports standard RS485 and Modbus communication protocols, with expandability for various wired and wireless transmission methods. Flexible data transmission intervals allow it to meet the long-term automated monitoring requirements of diverse photovoltaic power plants.