📝 Description
New product. The SolarMax MaxMeteo 1020-1 is a weather measurement system for photovoltaic installations, consisting of the SolarMax interface module and the Si-420TC-T-K irradiance and temperature sensor. The system is designed to detect the operating conditions of the photovoltaic generator and provide the monitoring system with solar irradiance and module temperature values. The Si-420TC-T-K configuration is documented as a sensor with a 4–20 mA current output and 12–28 VDC power supply.
⚙️ Technical Specifications
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Brand: SolarMax / Sputnik Engineering
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System: MaxMeteo 1020-1
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Sensor: Si-420TC-T-K
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Type: solar irradiance + module temperature sensor
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Technology: reference solar cell in monocrystalline silicon
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Power supply: 12…28 VDC
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Output signal: 4…20 mA
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Irradiance measurement: 0…1200 W/m²
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Temperature measurement: cell/module temperature
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Irradiance accuracy: approx. ±5%
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Temperature accuracy: approx. ±1.5 °C
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Reference cell: approx. 50 × 33 mm
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Cable: shielded, UV- and temperature-resistant
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Sensor construction: painted metal housing
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Sensor protection rating: IP65
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Sensor operating temperature: approx. −20…+70 °C
The sensor clearly shows the following connections:
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Brown: Temperature
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Orange: Solar Irradiance
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Red: 12…28 VDC
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Black: 0 VDC
The Si-420TC-T-K configuration uses the 4–20 mA signal for irradiance measurement and an associated output for module temperature; the technical documentation specifies an irradiance measurement range of 0–1200 W/m² for this model.
⚡ Function in the Electrical System
Monitoring and supervision system for ON-GRID photovoltaic installations.
The MaxMeteo is used as an acquisition system for the meteorological conditions of the photovoltaic generator. The sensor measures solar irradiance on the module plane and cell/module temperature, allowing environmental conditions to be compared with the electrical production of the installation.
The 4–20 mA signal can be acquired by a compatible monitoring system, such as a data logger or a SolarMax/MaxComm system configured for analog sensor management. SolarMax and meteocontrol monitoring systems document the use of Si-420TC-T-K sensors for module temperature measurement and sensors from the same family for irradiance measurement.
📡 Measurements and Signals
The sensor provides information usable for:
- Solar irradiance in W/m²
- Module/cell temperature
- Verification of the operating conditions of the PV field
- Comparison between available irradiance and produced power
- Analysis of system performance
- Identification of possible reductions in efficiency not directly attributable to the inverter.
🏭 Construction and Installation
The sensor has a metal structure with mounting brackets and a long connection cable. The IP65 construction allows outdoor installation, typically on the photovoltaic module plane or in a position representative of the installation's irradiance conditions.
The sensor must be installed with an orientation consistent with the module plane and without shading that could alter the irradiance measurement.
The SolarMax module visible next to the sensor has Network In / Network Out connections and serves as the interface between the measurement system and the SolarMax communication network.
🛡️ Safety and Product Condition
The sensor, SolarMax module and wiring are present in the photographs. The sensor has its original label showing model Si-420TC-T-K, 12…28 VDC power supply and conductor identification.
Before installation, it is recommended to verify power supply, wiring continuity, 4–20 mA output and correct sensor response using suitable instrumentation.
⚠️ The connection must be carried out respecting the polarity, specified power supply and type of analog input of the acquisition system. Do not connect the sensor to voltage inputs that are not compatible with the 4–20 mA output.
📦 Package Contents
- 1 × SolarMax MaxMeteo 1020-1
- 1 × Si-420TC-T-K sensor
- 1 × SolarMax module/interface
- Connection wiring visible in the photographs
- Sensor mounting brackets/supports.
🚀 Final Description
The SolarMax MaxMeteo 1020-1 with Si-420TC-T-K sensor is a professional system for measuring solar irradiance and photovoltaic module temperature, intended for integration into PV system monitoring systems. The sensor uses a monocrystalline reference solar cell, 12–28 VDC power supply and 4–20 mA signal, with an irradiance measurement range of up to 1200 W/m². The technical documentation confirms the use of the Si-420TC-T-K for measuring conditions on the photovoltaic plane.
