Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Solar MET Station Proposal

Provided to: Provided by:

Bruce Zahedivach Matt Perry
Director of Product Management Group & Product Manager
Solar Data Acquisition System Renewable Energy Group
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Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Solar MET Station Details and Benefits................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Overview of Solar MET System Contents................................................................................................ 4
1.4 Complete System Test Prior to Shipment ............................................................................................... 4
1.5 Power Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 5
1.6 Data Reporting ........................................................................................................................................ 5
1.7 Data Quality Assurance Data Quality Control ......................................................................................... 6
1.8 Summary of Proposed Systems .............................................................................................................. 6
MET Stations ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Solar 200 ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Solar1000-5MW .................................................................................................................................... 7
Solar1000-20MW .................................................................................................................................. 7
Solar1000-100MW ................................................................................................................................ 7
1.9 Other MET Stations Available ................................................................................................................. 8
MET Stations ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Solar 800 ............................................................................................................................................... 8
RSR100 .................................................................................................................................................. 8
CSP100 .................................................................................................................................................. 8
SMP100 ................................................................................................................................................. 8
1.10 MET Station Service Plan ...................................................................................................................... 9
Appendix A Quick Deploy Guide Example .................................................................................................. 10

Campbell Scientific, Inc. | 815 W 1800 N | Logan, UT 84321-1784 | 435.227.9000 | 435.227.9001 F | www.campbellsci.com
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1.1 Introduction

Campbell Scientific, Inc. (CSI) designs, manufactures, and sells rugged dataloggers, data-acquisition
systems, and measurement and control products used worldwide in environmental, research, and
industrial markets.

CSI was established in 1974, with its corporate headquarters in Logan, Utah. The majority of Campbell
Scientific products are manufactured at its U.S. facility, which employs over 300 people in engineering,
production, marketing, and administration departments.

CSI measurement systems have long been used by the Solar Energy Industry to advance solar
radiometric studies and to assess the solar resources at potential and operational sites. Our robust and
versatile instruments allow developers, operators, and researchers to gather the data necessary for
critical decision making in power generation development.

CSI offers configurable solar MET stations designed to meet specific applications and utility
requirements. Turn-key systems are available for PV and CSP solar technology projects of all sizes. Our
engineers work closely with the client to select instrumentation, write datalogger programs, develop
system support documentation, and support installation and long-term operations and maintenance
services.

In response to SunEdison’s request for a proposal of solar MET stations designed for 400kW, 5MW,
20MW, and 100MW sized PV arrays, Campbell Scientific Inc. submits the following proposal.

1.2 Solar MET Station Details

Turn-key, pre-programmed, and factory tested MET stations were specifically developed for the
renewable energy industry to provide a new and improved methodology for resource and MET station
deployment for the benefit of a young and rapidly growing industry.

Some of the main MET station features include:

 Best-practices for solar resource measurement are fundamental to station design

 Common industry protocols and practices are integrated into station design
 Specific utility requirements dictate minimum measurement criteria (e.g. CAISO, SCE)
 Designed for easy and accurate installation by non-technical personnel
 Quick-Deploy Guide is included
 Turn-key operation minimizes field wiring errors and reduces deployment time
 Wiring diagram, system drawings, and support documentation are include

Campbell Scientific, Inc. | 815 W 1800 N | Logan, UT 84321-1784 | 435.227.9000 | 435.227.9001 F | www.campbellsci.com
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 Technical commissioning support during installation and long-term operations and maintenance
support for the life of the station is included
 Long-term calibration and servicing of datalogger and sensor plan is available
 Components, including cabling, connectors, and equipment enclosure are rated for continuous
outdoor use in temperature and sunlight extreme environments.
 Sensor signal lines use a high quality Santoprene jacket with an aluminum Mylar shield in order
to minimize noise and provide suitable resistance against weathering.

1.3 Overview of Solar MET System Contents

Proposed CSI Solar MET Station packages include:

 Datalogger enclosure
o Datalogger
o Power supply
o Communications device(s)
o Peripheral devices as appropriate
 Radiation and meteorological sensors and cabling
 Datalogger enclosure and sensor mounting hardware, including tower or tripod and cross-arms
 Documentation
o Quick-deploy guide
o Wiring diagram as built
o Modbus register map/DNP3 object map
o Station drawing
o Enclosure drawing
o In-factory system test report
o Commissioning guide
o Operator manuals
o Maintenance schedule

1.4 Complete System Test Prior to Shipment

Prior to shipment, a complete functional test is performed on each system. A functional test is a dry run
performed to validate complete system operation. All sensor, power, and communication functions are
performed, monitored, and verified.

Verification of performance conducted and recorded:

 Proper datalogger programming and functionality

 Sensor and sensor peripheral operation

Campbell Scientific, Inc. | 815 W 1800 N | Logan, UT 84321-1784 | 435.227.9000 | 435.227.9001 F | www.campbellsci.com
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 Enclosure wiring
 Signal and power cabling
 SCADA operation
 System test results and documentation

1.5 Power Requirements

MET stations include an uninterruptible power supply. A rechargeable 12V battery, sized for 2-3 weeks
of continuous operation without grid or solar power, is installed in the datalogger enclosure. Provisions
for AC input, including UL approved terminal input blocks, resettable fuse, and power supply and/or
solar panel input are included.

Typical System Power Requirements:

 Voltage: 9 to 16 Vdc
 Typical current drain:
o w/out communications: < 20mA
o w communications: < 100mA
 UL508A Certification is optional

1.6 Data Reporting

Typically on solar energy producing sites, data reporting is via the on-site SCADA system, using standard
industrial protocols, such as modbus and/or DNP 3. By default, systems are provisioned with TCP/IP
communications for Modbus, DNP3, or both. RS-485 is optional. A pre-defined, standard Modbus
register map or DNP3 object map is available or a map can be specified by the user. Quality flags provide
meaningful data by indicating measurement quality - reported per sensor and datalogger. Other data
reporting options are available, including; LoggerNet (CSI software), FTP, Web API, and custom API.

Standard Mobus Format:

Modbus Port: 502
Function: 03
Data Type: 32-bit float
Data Order: CDAB

Standard DNP3 Format:

DNP Object: 30
DNP Variaton: 2 (16-Bit Analog Input)
DNP Class: 0 (Static data)
DNP Master Address: User specifies up to 3 different Masters

Campbell Scientific, Inc. | 815 W 1800 N | Logan, UT 84321-1784 | 435.227.9000 | 435.227.9001 F | www.campbellsci.com
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MET Stations perform measurements once per second or once per four seconds when a rotating shadow
band radiometer is included. Data is stored on the datalogger every ten minutes, unless otherwise
specified (e.g. one minute, five minute, etc.). Average, standard deviation, maximum, and minimum
data points are calculated and recorded. Modbus registers and DNP 3 objects update once per one
second or once per four seconds when a rotating shadow band radiometer is included.

1.7 Data Quality Assurance Data Quality Control

CSI datalogger measurement capabilities include several factors, such as 60Hz noise rejection, that result
in high measurement quality and the prevention of measurement defection. Measured data are
automatically checked and processed to assure quality. Measurements that are flagged as invalid trigger
an associated quality flag. Quality flags are available in both Modbus register and DNP 3 object maps.

Example methods for identifying invalid data point:

 Identifying a missing data point (or a data point stuck at one value for an overextended time)
 Applying minimum and maximum limits to the measurement based on specification and
reasonability
 Applying statistical analysis to identify outliers in data set
 Applying statistical analysis relative to clear sky index
 Verifying communications error
 Verifying power supply failure
 Checking timestamp of data for missed record
 Verifying sensors and datalogger calibration validity

1.8 Summary of Proposed Systems

Taking advantage of the versatility of CSI datalogger product line, we are able to offer standard turn-key
MET stations packages with options for configuration. Offering various packages of solar MET station is
critical due to the diverse purposes and objectives that monitoring solutions provide operators of
different sized solar energy producing sites.

Table 1 below lists common configurations, based on best-practice, for the various PV sized arrays
discussed. Also listed are common measurement, power, and communication options.

Campbell Scientific, Inc. | 815 W 1800 N | Logan, UT 84321-1784 | 435.227.9000 | 435.227.9001 F | www.campbellsci.com
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PV Array Data Application Typical Measurement Communications

MET Stations

Plane of Array Irradiance

System
Back of Module Temperature Modbus TCP/IP
Solar 200 400 kW Performance
Air Temperature DNP 3 TCP/IP
CNI Solar MET Assessment
Wind Speed

Plane of Array Irradiance

Global Horizontal Irradiance
Back of Module Temperature
System Air Temperature
Performance Relative Humidity
Assessment, Wind Speed Modbus TCP/IP
Solar1000-5MW 5 MW
Performance Wind Direction DNP 3 TCP/IP
Small Utility MET Guarantee, System Precipitation
Losses Analysis Clear Sky Index
Solar Position

Plane of Array Irradiance(s)

Global Horizontal Irradiance(s)
Back of Module Temperature(s)
Air Temperature
System Relative Humidity
Performance Wind Speed
Assessment, Wind Direction Modbus TCP/IP
Solar1000-20MW 20 MW
Performance Precipitation DNP 3 TCP/IP
Utility Scale MET Guarantee, System Barometric Pressure
Losses Analysis Clear Sky Index (calculated)
Solar Position
Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance(s)
Direct Normal Irradiance(s)
Soiling Losses

Plane of Array Irradiance(s)

Global Horizontal Irradiance(s)
Back of Module Temperature(s)
Air Temperature
System
Relative Humidity
Performance
Wind Speed
Assessment,
Wind Direction Modbus TCP/IP
Solar1000-100MW 100 MW Performance
Precipitation DNP 3 TCP/IP
Large Utility Scale MET Guarantee, System
Barometric Pressure
Losses Analysis, PV
Clear Sky Index
System Degradation
Solar Position
Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance(s)
Direct Normal Irradiance(s)
Soiling Losses

The number of relative irradiance and back of module temperature measurements per system will depend on scale and provide a good idea
of area distribution.
Table 1. Solar MET Station Proposal.

Campbell Scientific, Inc. | 815 W 1800 N | Logan, UT 84321-1784 | 435.227.9000 | 435.227.9001 F | www.campbellsci.com
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1.9 Other MET Stations Available

PV Array Data Application Typical Measurement Communications

MET Stations
Plane of Array Irradiance
Global Horizontal Irradiance
Modbus TCP/IP
Air Temperature
Solar 800 ANY
Resource
Relative Humidity
DNP 3 TCP/IP
Resource Assessment Assessment Cellular
Wind Speed
Solar MET Satellite
Wind Direction
Barometric Pressure

Plane of Array Irradiance

Global Horizontal Irradiance
Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance
Back of Module Temperature
Modbus TCP/IP
Direct Normal Irradiance
RSR100 ANY
Resource
Air Temperature
DNP 3 TCP/IP
Rotating Shadowband Assessment Cellular
Wind Speed
Radiometer MET Satellite
Wind Direction
Precipitation
Clear Sky Index
Solar Position

Plane of Array Irradiance

Global Horizontal Irradiance
Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance
System
Back of Module Temperature
Performance
Direct Normal Irradiance
Assessment,
CSP100 CSP Performance
Air Temperature Modbus TCP/IP
Concentrated Solar Power Wind Speed DNP 3 TCP/IP
Guarantee, System
Solar MET Wind Direction
Losses Analysis, PV
Precipitation
System Degradation
Clear Sky Index
Solar Position
Soiling Loses

Effective Irradiance
System
Short Circuit Current
Performance
Open Circuit Voltage
Assessment,
SMP100 ANY Performance
Cell Temperature Modbus TCP/IP
Solar Module Performance Back of Module Temperature DNP 3 TCP/IP
Guarantee, System
MET Clear Sky Index
Losses Analysis, PV
Solar Position
System Degradation
Soiling Loses

The number of relative irradiance and back of module temperature measurements should provide a good idea of area distribution.
Table 2. Other MET Stations Available.

Campbell Scientific, Inc. | 815 W 1800 N | Logan, UT 84321-1784 | 435.227.9000 | 435.227.9001 F | www.campbellsci.com
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1.10 MET Station Service Plan

Service agreements are offered in support of long-term operation and maintenance of a large fleet of
MET stations. The specifics of the plan are catered to the owner’s specific case and address the need to
keep sensors and datalogger calibrations valid and measurement equipment in a high performing
operational state.

CSI keeps track of all MET station operation and maintenance servicing and facilitates replacement of
components based on a predefined schedule, assuring continuous operation and that all sensors and
datalogger recalibrations are kept valid.

Campbell Scientific, Inc. | 815 W 1800 N | Logan, UT 84321-1784 | 435.227.9000 | 435.227.9001 F | www.campbellsci.com
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Appendix A Quick Deploy Guide Example

Figures 1 and 2 are an example of our Quick Deploy Guides, which are designed to facilitate installation
by non-instrumentation specialists or by local contractor, ensuring proper station assembly and
installation.

Figure 1. Solar800 Quick Deploy Guide (Front Page)

Figure 2. Solar800 Quick Deploy Guide (Back Page)

Campbell Scientific, Inc. | 815 W 1800 N | Logan, UT 84321-1784 | 435.227.9000 | 435.227.9001 F | www.campbellsci.com