TES-1333 Solar Power Meter

Hold or place the Solar Power Meter in the same orientation as the PV array.

Record the reading of irradiance (solar power) in Watts per square meter.

Note: If possible, a PV array should be tested on a clear day around solar noon.

Consult the PV module specification to determine the area of the PV array.

This should be the “active area” of the PV cells excluding the frame of the PV modules. Calculate the active area in square meters.

Multiply the irradiance reading and the active area to get total solar power striking the the array at that instant, the input power (Watts).

Consult the PV module specifications to determine the conversion efficiency of the PV modules used in the array.

Multiply the input power by the efficiency to estimate the power the array could produce under existing conditions.

In most instances, this number will be greater than the output power because losses and temperature effects have not been considered.