Fluke FLK-IRR1-SOL Solar Irradiance Meter

Key features

Fluke IRR1-SOL Irradiance Meter: An Essential Tool for Solar Panels

If you’re surveying, installing, executing maintenance, or checking the performance of solar panels or a photovoltaic system, the Fluke IRR1-SOL Irradiance Meter is an invaluable tool. It provides the four critical measurements needed in one easy-to-use tool.

• Solar Irradiation Measurements: Make instantaneous measurements to determine the watt per square meter solar irradiation, a requirement stipulated by the IEC 62446-1 standard.
• Temperature Measurement: Measure the temperature either by placing the meter directly on the panel or by connecting the external probe.
• Cardinal Direction and Tilt Verification: Find the cardinal direction with the built-in compass, and verify the inclination of a roof or panel with the tilt function.
• Determining the Expected Solar Production: To find the expected production at a site, determine your solar resource while taking shading into account. The solar resource is measured in peak sun hours: the number of hours per day with 1,000 watts generated per square meter of solar array. Factors such as location, time of day, season, and weather conditions all influence peak sun hours.

Using the Solar Irradiance Meter

Use the Fluke IRR1-SOL to determine the actual solar irradiance (Watts/m²) and shading at the site to develop a baseline. Once your system is installed, ensure it operates as designed by measuring its electrical characteristics and the actual power output of the array.

• Understanding Photovoltaic Array Performance: The performance of a photovoltaic array is based on its current-voltage (IV) curve. Use the IRR1-SOL to obtain the amount of solar irradiance necessary to calculate the IV curve of the power output.
• Ensuring Correct Irradiance Energy: Even when installed correctly, a photovoltaic system may not produce the expected electrical output. In order to generate the expected output, the system needs to receive the correct amount of irradiance energy to generate the DC voltage that is fed into the inverter.

Whether working on a roof-mounted system or on a large field installation, the IRR1-SOL is the single-handed solution that every solar installer and technician needs in their tool bag.