Solmetric PVA-1000S, User Manual

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1 Getting Started
2-47
Optimizing wireless transmission range
Follow these practices to achieve best SolSensor transmission range.
When using the PVA-1500xx:
•
Locate SolSensor for best line-of-sight to the I-V Measurement Unit, which acts
as a relay station between SolSensor and your PC.
•
Avoid locations where the signal must transmit through buildings or trucks, or
through many rows of PV modules and racking.
•
Avoid placing SolSensor directly on a metal surface such as a metal roof or
HVAC box, as this reduces range. If mounting SolSensor on a torque tube of a
single-axis tracker, it may help your range if you first mount SolSensor to a
short bar, and then mount the bar to the torque tube.
When using the PVA-1000S/600+:
•
Locate SolSensor for best line-of-sight to your PC.
•
Avoid placing your PC on a metal surface such as a metal roof or HVAC box,
which reduces wireless range.
•
As described above, you can use a bar to mount SolSensor to the torque tube of
a single-axis tracker.
Transmission range can also sometimes be increased by locating SolSensor on the top frame
edge of a top-row module, or near the end of an array where there is better line of sight to
where the I-V Measurement Unit is set up.
If it is not possible to achieve the necessary transmission range with the above methods,
SolSensor can be mounted on a tripod and oriented to the correct azimuth and tilt. Choose
a location that has sky exposure similar to the array itself.
Mounting SolSensor on a tripod
Tripod mounting allows more flexibility in locating SolSensor for best wireless range.
Tripod mounting is also useful when it is not feasible to access the array. In this case you
can set the PV Analyzer software to derive the module cell temperature from the
measured I-V curve. To deploy SolSensor on a tripod, you will need the following
equipment (contact
support@solmetric.com for specific equipment recommendations):