Seven Sensor Albedometer – 3S-ALBEDO
The PV Albedometer is designed to measure both irradiance values and the albedo ratio for bifacial solar panels. In addition to these key measurements, it also includes an internal cell temperature sensor. Each unit is supplied with a mounting bracket and cable for easy installation.
All measured meteorological data are transferred to dataloggers and receiver units via a 3-wire RS485 bus with Modbus RTU protocol.
Why Choose the Seven Sensor 3S-ALBEDO Albedometer?
- Trusted accuracy: IEC 61724-1 Class A compliance with uncertainty ≤1%, calibrated as per IEC 60904-2 standards.
- Fast results: Response time of one second for real-time decision making. It can be reduced to 500 milliseconds upon request.
- Built to last: A UV-protected IP54 aluminum housing with optional IP65/IP68 ensures reliable operation in demanding outdoor environments.
- Quick setup: Plug-and-run design means fewer installation errors and faster commissioning. Supplied with mounting bracket and cable. Easy integration with any Modbus-compatible PLC, SCADA, or datalogger.
- Expandable: Supports connection of module temperature sensors for more accurate performance monitoring.
Product Details
Deskripsi
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF ALBEDOMETER
| 3S-ALBEDO | 3S-ALBEDO-T | |
| Sensor Type | Silicon Reference Cell (31 x 31 mm) | |
| Measured Data | Plane-of-Array Irradiance, Reflected Irradiance, Solar Albedo and 2 Cell Temperatures | Plane-of-Array Irradiance, Reflected Irradiance, Solar Albedo, 2 Cell Temperatures and 1 PT1000 Module Temperature or Ambient Temperature |
| Connectable Sensor | – | 1 x 3S-MT-PT1000 or 1 x 3S-AT-PT1000 |
| Irradiance Range | 0 … 1600 W/m² | |
| Albedo Range | POA (greater than 0) GHI (0-1) | |
| Uncertainty | ≤ 1% (less than 2%; Class A according to IEC 61724-1) | |
| Resolution | 0,1 W/m² (less than 1 W/m²; Class A according to IEC 61724-1) | |
| Response Time | 1 s (less than 3 s; Class A according to IEC 61724-1) | |
| Field of View | 170° (more than 160°; Class A according to IEC 61724-1) | |
| Tilt-Azimuth Angle | 0° – 0° (less than 1°; Class A for GHI positioning according to IEC 61724-1) | |
| Output Rate | 1/s | |
| Data Output | RS485 from 4800 to 38400 Baud | |
| Communication Protocol | Modbus RTU (optional TCP/IP) | |
| Power Supply | 12 … 30 V DC | |
| Power Consumption | Typically 16 mA @ 24 V DC @ 25°C and maximum 30 mA @ 24 V DC @ 25°C | |
| Cable Length and Specifications | 3 m, 3x2x0,22 mm, 24 AWG (UV and Weather Resistant) | |
| Galvanic Isolation | 1000 V between Power Supply and RS485 Bus | |
| Cell Temperature Sensor Type | Class A PT1000 according to EN 60751 | |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C … +85°C | |
| Box Dimensions | 169 x 108 x 39 mm (L x W x H) | |
| Weight | 0,52 kg | 1,4 kg |
| Ingress Protection | IP65 (Optional IP68) | |
| Sensor Housing Material | Aluminium | |
| Standard | IEC 61724-1:2021 and IEC 60904 | |
| Calibration | Each sensor is calibrated under a Class AAA sun simulator in accordance with the IEC 60904-2 and IEC 60904-4 standards, using a reference cell calibrated by the ISFH Institute in Germany. | |
| Origin | Türkiye | |
Available Models of the 3S-ALBEDO Albedometer
All models below are IEC 61724-1:2021 Class A compliant, factory-calibrated, and built with the same durable construction. The only difference is the number and type of external sensors that can be connected via RS485 Modbus RTU.
| Model | Communication | Uncertainty | External Sensor Options |
| 3S-ALBEDO | RS485 Modbus RTU | ≤1%, as per IEC61724-1 standard Class A | No external sensor can be connected |
| 3S-ALBEDO-T | RS485 Modbus RTU | ≤1%, as per IEC61724-1 standard Class A | 1 x Module Temperature Sensor/Ambient Temperatuıre Sensor |
What Does an Albedometer Do?
Solar irradiance is the amount of solar power received per unit area (W/m²). Monitoring irradiance is essential for evaluating the performance of PV plants. The 3S-ALBEDO sensor measures incident and reflected irradiance using a monocrystalline silicon solar cell, while also compensating for temperature effects thanks to its built-in PT1000 cell temperature sensor.
At its core, the albedometer consists of two reference cells in one box:
- The front cell measures the plane-of-array (POA) irradiance.
- The rear cell measures the reflected irradiance from the ground at the plane of array.
By comparing these values, the device calculates the solar albedo (the ratio of reflected irradiance to incident irradiance). This data is essential for evaluating the performance ratio of bifacial PV installations.
How Does the 3S-ALBEDO Sensor Work?
- A monocrystalline solar cell absorbs sunlight and generates current.
- A precision shunt resistor converts this current into measurable signals.
- The temperature sensor at the back of the cell corrects deviations caused by heat.
- An electronic card processes these signals and calculates compensated irradiance values in W/m².
- Data is sent to receiver units via RS485 using Modbus RTU.
