Electrical Power & Protection


Pyranometer for monitoring small-scale PV installation efficiency

April 2022 Electrical Power & Protection Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration

The increasing volume of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel installations across small to medium-sized businesses raises the question of how to monitor the energy efficiency of the PV system. Delta Ohm has addressed this with the launch of the LPPYRA-Lite pyranometer, which is specifically designed to monitor general solar radiation on small-scale PV installations.

“With PV panels being installed across smaller retail and commercial operations, it would make sense to track the efficiency levels. The compact LPPYRA-Lite, integrated in a Delta Ohm HD35 wireless data logger, will give you the ability to monitor the efficiencies of your small-scale PV system with what is the most cost-effective device available on the market,” claims Jan Grobler, managing director of GHM Messtechnik South Africa.

LPPYRA-Lite is a small and light pyranometer based on an accurate thermopile sensor for ordinary monitoring of smaller PV systems. Its remarkably compact dimensions make for easy installation and integration into any application. Being classified as ‘Class C Spectrally Flat’ according to the ISO 9060:2018 standard guarantees the accuracy, reliability and precision of its measurements and its compliance with the reference standards. Each sensor is characterised by its own calibration factor which is indicated on the body of the pyranometer.

Designed for direct tilted installation on a PV panel plane, the LPPYRA-Lite does not require any levelling device. For horizontal positioning, an optional fixing base with an integrated levelling device can be supplied. Two versions are available: the LPPYRA-Lite with μV/Wm-2 output and an impedance of 33-45 Ω; and the LPPYRA-LiteAC for 2-wire current loop output as a 4-20 mA signal.

The measurement range of the lightweight (140 gram) pyranometer is 0-2000 W/m2, its viewing angle is 2π sr and it comes with a 4-pole M12 connector. The LPPYRA-Lite passive model requires no power input while the LPPYRA-LiteAC requires 10-30 V DC.

“Small-scale PV plants can be seen everywhere, on parking and building roofs at retail and business parks. Industrial and engineering factories are also installing solar panels around selected parts of their premises. The investment for the establishment of a PV solar panel plant and the subsequent installation and maintenance is not insignificant, so the efficiencies and benefits achieved through accurate monitoring of the PV panel installations is the big plus of the LPPYRA-Lite technology. It is the most accurate and cost-effective technology available,” Grobler asserts.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Power portfolio with enhanced static transfer switch for critical applications
Electrical Power & Protection
Vertiv has launched the Vertiv PowerSwitch 7000, a next-generation static transfer switch that strengthens the company’s position as a complete power solutions provider.

Read more...
Why utilities must prioritise maintenance of SA’s remote data
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
The story of power generation is more than meets the eye. Beyond energy distribution and the infrastructure are invisible, point of presence data centres located the remotest parts of our country that play a fundamental role in keeping systems running

Read more...
The house that revolutionises substations
WEG Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Traditional substations have major drawbacks in terms of their construction and resilience. One solution is the E-house, a prefabricated, customised and transportable steel structure designed to house a range of electrical and automation equipment.

Read more...
Localised inverter-integrated transformer
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM, South Africa’s largest manufacturer, repairer and distributor of electromechanical equipment, is launching a breakthrough in renewable energy integration with its localised inverter-integrated transform

Read more...
Steinmüller Africa integrates advanced technologies at Mondi’s boiler project
Electrical Power & Protection
Steinmüller Africa is leading a boiler project at Mondi’s Richards Bay mill. The 18-month undertaking showcases the company’s blend of engineering excellence and cutting-edge technology.

Read more...
ABB innovation for energy efficiency and sustainability
Electrical Power & Protection
The application of sensor technology to reduce the operational and standby power losses of traditional current and voltage transformers can lead to energy savings of 181 MWh over a 30-year period, the lifetime of a typical switchboard in the African environment.

Read more...
UPS systems are key to keeping SA’s automotive industry up and running
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
During loadshedding, PLCs and OT systems often fail, not because they are directly tied to the factory’s core manufacturing process, but because they are now an integral part of IT infrastructure. When an IT system shuts down, the impact is far more complex than simply restarting machinery.

Read more...
ACTOM advances energy infrastructure
Electrical Power & Protection
At this critical juncture where South Africa is poised to modernise its power infrastructure, ACTOM’s Engineering Projects and Contracts (EPC) Division showcased its capabilities for the first time at Enlit Africa 2025.

Read more...
Advanced contactor solution to revolutionise motor management
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched the TeSys Deca Advanced, an advanced contactor solution designed to revolutionise motor management with unparalleled efficiency, reliability, simplicity and sustainability.

Read more...
Steaming ahead with boiler skills development
Electrical Power & Protection
As an expert in steam and boiler operations and maintenance, AES is very focused on safety, quality, technology advancement and the development of human capital. The company invests heavily in training and the promotion of talented people on an equal opportunity basis into the industrial operations environment.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved