VSN800 Weather Station Product Manual
- 5 -
•For ground tripod mounts, the ground should be as level as possible.
•For roof mounts, avoid locating the station near any heat sources such as chimneys or vents.
Do not install on an existing mast unless you know the mast can take the additional weight of
the weather station. When roof-mounting the sensor assembly, the unit should be mounted
toward an edge of the roof preferably on the prevailing wind side of the building and should be
at least 2-1/2 feet above the roofline.
•The weather station unit should be mounted at least 5 feet off the ground. Surrounding terrain
and structures may dictate a much higher mount.
•If the weather station is mounted more than 10 feet off the ground, guy wires should be used
to secure the mount. Guy wireattachments must not interfere with instruments.
•Wall-mounting, pole-mounting, or tripodkits are available. Contact your ABB distributor.
•Test the system at ground level and make sure it operates properly prior to final mounting.
Sensor mounting requirements
Global Irradiance
The pyranometer is attached to the sensor assembly and is oriented to measure global
irradiance. To accurately measure this quantity the sensor must be level, orientated either
TRUE SOUTH or TRUE NORTH if you are in the northern or southern hemisphere,
respectively, and objects above 10°above thehorizontalplane must not blockthe sensor.
Be sure to remove the protective green cap from all pyranometers so they can measure
insolation.
Plane-of-Array Irradiance (VSN800-14 Model Only)
The plane-of array pyranometer is mounted on the side of the solar array. The sensor should
be at the same zenith and azimuth angle as solar array to correctly measure the plane-of-array
irradiance.
Anemometer (VSN800-14 Model Only)
The anemometer is directly attached to the top of the sensor assembly. For correct wind
direction operation the VSN800-14 must be oriented correctly.
By default the weather station is configured for operation in the Northern hemisphere. This
requires that the irradiance sensor faces due south. If the weather station is going to be used
in the Southern hemisphere it must be mounted with the irradiance sensor facing north. In
addition, the hemisphere jumper inside the VSN800-14 must be changed from Northern to
Southern.
PV Temperature Sensor
This sensor is designed to attach directly to any solar panel.
When placed on the center back side of the panel, it accurately
measures the temperature of the panel.
Prior to installation of the PV temperature sensor onto the PV
panel, the installation area of the panel back should be
thoroughly cleaned. This cleaning will ensure a good bond
between sensor and panel and allow for accurate panel
temperature readings.
After cleaning, peel off the protective adhesive tape on the
temperature sensor and stick it onto the back of the panel.
Firmly press the sensor into place. Refer to the picture on the
right. The cable should be secured within 8 inches of thetemperature-sensing element.
