Smart Solar Irradiation Sensor – MBMet-502

Smart Solar Irradiation Sensor - MBMet-502

MBMet-502 – Reference Cell Irradiance Sensor (Crystalline Cell-Based)

IEC 61000-4-8

(Power Frequency Magnetic Field Immunity Test)
IEC 61000-4-18

(Damped Oscillatory Wave Immunity Test)

Overview

Dual-Sensing for Solar Radiation and Temperature

The MBMet-502 Series delivers accurate, real-time measurement of global solar irradiance and sensor surface temperature, enabling precise monitoring of photovoltaic (PV) system performance. It supports data-driven optimization of energy generation and overall array efficiency in both rooftop and ground-mounted installations.

The MBMet-502 utilizes a high-quality monocrystalline solar cell paired with a high-accuracy shunt to ensure reliable irradiance measurement. Each sensor incorporates active temperature compensation to correct measurement variations caused by temperature effects on short-circuit current. This is achieved using a highly accurate PT1000 Class A temperature sensor mounted on the backside of the solar cell, ensuring stable and consistent readings under changing environmental conditions.

Built for durability, the sensor is housed in a rugged cast-aluminum enclosure with an IP65 rating, protecting it against dust and water. It features an RS-485 Modbus RTU interface for seamless integration with data acquisition systems, SCADA platforms, MBLogger devices, and cloud-based monitoring solutions. Every MBMet-502 sensor is individually calibrated using a specially calibrated reference cell and a Class AAA solar simulator. The calibration process follows the IEC 60904-2 guidelines specified in IEC 61724-1, and each unit is supplied with a serialized, traceable calibration certificate.

Benefits & Features

Measures solar irradiance with a range of ±0-1500 W/m² and ±3% accuracy
Supports PT100/PT1000 RTD sensors for surface temperature logging
4 analog inputs (4–20 mA) and 1 digital input for auxiliary sensor integration
Operating range: –30°C to +70°C and up to 99% relative humidity
Fast response time suitable for high-frequency solar performance tracking.
Compact enclosure for pole or panel mount integration
Low power consumption with 9–32 VDC supply support
Low power consumption with a wide 9–32 VDC input range
Reliable performance in outdoor, industrial, and energy monitoring projects

Specifications

Electrical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Power Supply	9–32 VDC
Power Consumption	Max. 100 mW
Communication Protocol	RS-485, Modbus RTU
ADC Resolution	16-bit

Irradiance Measurement

Parameter	Specification
Measurement Range	0–1500 W/m²
Accuracy	0.1 W/m²
Response Time	2–3 seconds
Long-Term Stability	0.5% per annum
Calibration Standard	IEC 60904-2
Compliance Standard	IEC 61724-1

Cell Temperature Measurement

Parameter	Specification
Parameter Measurement Range	–40°C to +90°C
Accuracy	±0.3% FS
Resolution	0.1°C

RTD Sensor Input (External)

Parameter	Specification
Supported Sensor Types	PT100 / PT1000 (2 inputs)
Temperature Range	–30°C to +150°C
Accuracy	±0.3% FS
Resolution	0.1°C

Analog Input (External Sensors)

Parameter	Specification
Input Channels	4 channels
Input Type	4–20 mA
Resolution	0.1

Digital / Pulse Input

Parameter	Specification
Input Channels	1 channels
Input Function	Digital ON/OFF or Pulse (counter)
Max Frequency	200 Hz
Resolution	0.1 (e.g., 0.1 mm for rainfall input)

Mechanical & Environmental

Parameter	Specification
Enclosure	Cast Aluminum
Ingress Protection	IP65
Dimensions	125 mm (L) × 80 mm (W) × 57 mm (H)
Weight	~350 g
Cable Gland	M12 × 1.5 mm
Terminal Size	1.5 mm² (copper)
Mounting Clamp	SS304, 40 mm × 4 mm
Operating Temperature	–30°C to +70°C
Operating Humidity	0 to 99% RH