or by any means, be it electronic, mechanical, photographic, magnetic or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of SMA America, LLC.
Neither SMA America,LLC nor SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. makes representations, express
or implied, with respect to this documentation or any of the equipment and/or software it may
describe, including (with no limitation) any implied warranties of utility, merchantability, or fitness for
any particular purpose. All such warranties are expressly disclaimed. Neither SMA America,LLC nor
its distributors or dealers nor SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. nor its distributors or dealers shall
be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages under any circumstances.
(The exclusion of implied warranties may not apply in all cases under some statutes, and thus the
above exclusion may not apply.)
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Every attempt has been made to make this
document complete, accurate and up-to-date. Readers are cautioned, however, that
SMAAmerica,LLC and SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. reserve the right to make changes
without notice and shall not be responsible for any damages, including indirect, incidental or
consequential damages, caused by reliance on the material presented, including, but not limited to,
omissions, typographical errors, arithmetical errors or listing errors in the content material.
All trademarks are recognized even if these are not marked separately. Missing designations do not
mean that a product or brand is not a registered trademark.
The Bluetooth
®
word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and
any use of such marks by SMA America,LLC and SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc. is under
license.
SMA America, LLC
3801 N. Havana Street
Denver, CO 80239 U.S.A.
SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc.
2425 Matheson Blvd. E
8th Floor
Mississauga, ON L4W 5K5
Canada
Installation ManualMeteoStation-eng-IA-IUS1222103
Page 4
Important Safety InstructionsSMA America, LLC
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important instructions for the following products:
• SMA Meteo Station
• Module temperature sensor
• Power supply unit
This manual must be followed during installation and maintenance.
The product is designed and tested according to international safety requirements, but as with all
electrical and electronic equipment, certain precautions must be observed when installing and/or
operating the product. To reduce the risk of personal injury and to ensure the safe installation and
operation of the product, you must carefully read and follow all instructions, cautions and warnings
in this document.
Warnings in this document
A warning describes a hazard to equipment or personnel. It calls attention to a procedure or practice,
which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part or all
of the SMA equipment and/or other equipment connected to the SMA equipment or personal injury.
SymbolDescription
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to address practices not related to personal injury.
4MeteoStation-eng-IA-IUS122210Installation Manual
Page 5
SMA America, LLCImportant Safety Instructions
General Warnings
General Warnings
All electrical installations must be done in accordance with the local safety codes and the
NationalElectrical Code
document does not and is not intended to replace any local, state, provincial, federal or national
laws, regulation or codes applicable to the installation and use of the product, including without
limitation applicable electrical safety codes. All installations mu st c onform wit h th e la ws, reg ula tio ns,
codes and standards applicable in the jurisdiction of installation. SMA assumes no responsibility for
the compliance or non-compliance with such laws or codes in connection with the installation of the
product.
For all repair and maintenance, always return the unit to an authorized SMA Service Center.
Before installing or using the product, read all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings in this
document.
Wiring of the product must be made by qualified personnel only.
®
ANSI/NFPA 70 or the Canadian Electrical Code® CSAC22.1. This
This manual is valid for the SMA Meteo Station from firmware version 2.80.01.
Target Group
This document is intended for skilled persons. Only skilled persons are allowed to perform the tasks
set forth in this document (see Section 2.2 "Qualification of Skilled Persons", page 11).
Symbols
SymbolExplanation
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can result in death or
serious injury
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, can result in minor or
moderate injury
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, could result in property damage
Information that is important for a specific topic or goal, but is not safety-relevant
☐Indicates a requirement for meeting a specific goal
☑Desired result
✖A problem that could occur
8MeteoStation-eng-IA-IUS122210Installation Manual
Page 9
SMA America, LLC1 Information on this Document
Typographies
TypographyUseExample
"light"• Display messages on the
inverter
• The value can be read in
the "Energy" field.
•Elements in a software
user interface
•Connections
bold• Elements to be selected• Enter 10 in the "Minutes"
field.
>• Several elements that are
•Select Settings > Date.
to be selected
[Button/Key]• Button or key to be
•Select [Next].
selected or pressed
Nomenclature
Complete designationDesignation in this document
SMA America Production, LLC and
SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc.
SMA Meteo StationMeteo Station
SMA
Abbreviations
AbbreviationsDesignationExplanation
AFWidth Across FlatsThe distance between two parallel flat
surfaces ("flats") of a screw head.
MEMSMicro-Electro-Mechanical System‒
MSLMean Sea Level‒
NTCNegative Temperature Coefficient
Thermistors
PVPhotovoltaics‒
Installation ManualMeteoStation-eng-IA-IUS1222109
Electric resistor with a negative
temperature coefficient
Page 10
2 SafetySMA America, LLC
2Safety
2.1 Intended Use
SMA Meteo Station
The Meteo Station is a device for measuring power-related meteorological data at the PV plant
location and for transmitting this data to the Sunny WebBox via RS485 communication bus.
The Meteo Station fulfills the following tasks:
Measurement of global radiation, PV cell temperature, absolute air pressure, air temperature and
humidity, and transmission of this data to the Sunny WebBox.
Any other use can result in personal injury or property damage. The SMA Meteo Station's degree of
protection is NEMA 3 and is suitable for outdoor and indoor use within a temperature range of
− 40°F to +140°F ( − 40°C to +60°C).
Figure 1: Example: Diagram of a PV plant with Meteo Station and Sunny WebBox
The Meteo Station is approved exclusively for use with the supplied module temperature sensor, the
supplied power supply unit and any other RS485-compatible SMA devices.
For safety reasons, it is forbidden to modify the product or install components that are not explicitly
recommended or distributed by SMA.
The enclosed documentation is an integral part of this product.
• Read and adhere to the documentation.
• Keep the documentation in a convenient place for future reference.
2.2 Qualification of Skilled Persons
The tasks described in this document must be performed by skilled persons only. Skilled persons must
have the following qualifications:
• Training in the installation and commissioning of electrical devices
• Knowledge of all applicable standards and guidelines
Check the delivery for completeness and any visible external damage. Contact your specialty retailer
if the delivery is incomplete or you find any damage.
Figure 2: Components included in the scope of delivery
PositionQuantityDescription
A1Meteo Station
B1Pre-harnessed connection cable
C1Module temperature sensor with cleaning cloth
D1CD with installation manual, quick reference guide for
commissioning, Technical Information "RS485 Cabling Plan"
The Meteo Station is a device for measuring power-related meteorological data at the PV plant
loca tion a nd for tr ansmitting th is data t o the Sunny Web Box via the Pow er Injector. T he Meteo Stati on
fulfills the following tasks:
• Measurement of global radiation
• Measurement of PV cell temperature
• Measurement of absolute air pressure
• Measurement of air temperature and humidity
• Transmission of this meteorological data to the Sunny WebBox
Figure 3: Design of the Meteo Station
PositionDescription
APyranometer
BAir pressure sensor in the device
CSensors for measuring air temperature and humidity
GRetaining bracket with springs and self-locking nuts
HNotch to fix the connection cable
Pre-harnessed connection cable
PositionDescription
AShield connection terminal
BConnecting terminal plate with rail adapter and terminator
CDevice plug
Type Label
You can identify the Meteo Station by means of the type label. The type label is located on the
underside of the Meteo Station where the nuts and springs are also attached. You can read out the
following data from the type label:
• Serial number and hardware version
• Power consumption, operating voltage
• Permissible ambient temperatures during operation
•CE marking
The information on the type label is intended to help you use the SMA Meteo Station safely and will
be needed when you contact the SMA Service Line. The type label must be permanently attached to
the SMA Meteo Station.
5.1 Mounting the Connecting Terminal Plate and the
Power Supply Unit
Requirements:
☐ Adhere to the requirements in the attached installation instructions from Phoenix Contact.
☐ The mounting location must be indoors.
☐ A maximum cable route of 33 ft. (10 m) to the PV modules must be taken into account.
☐ A maximum RS485 communication bus length of 328 ft. (100 m) must be taken into account.
☐ The power supply unit must be protected from dust, moisture and aggressive substances.
1. Mount the power supply unit and connect it to the connecting terminal plate (see Installation
Instructions for Power Supply Unit from Phoenix Contact).
2. Mount the connecting terminal plate on the top-hat
rail.
5.2 Mounting the Meteo Station
Requirements:
☐ The ambient temperature must be between ‒40°F to +140°F ( − 40°C to +60°C).
☐ The diameter of the pole on which the Meteo Station is mounted must be between 2
3 in. (60 mm to 76 mm).
☐ The pole must be stabilized by an appropriate wall or floor fixture.
☐ The mounting location must be shadow-free and with an unimpeded panoramic view at the
height of the pyranometer.
☐ Remember that the maximum cable length to the connecting terminal plate is 33 ft. (10 m).
☐ The Meteo Station must be protected from aggressive or toxic substances.
Additional tools required (not included in the scope of delivery):
☐ Metric wrench AF13
1. Connection cable from the connecting terminal plate to the mounting location of the
Meteo Station.
2. Remove the yellow cap from the device plug.
3. Press the connection cable into the notch to hold it in place on the Meteo Station and move the
female connector towards the device plug.
4.
Connect the cable, taking the position markings into account.
There is a keyway on the cable socket and a key on the device plug.
• When plugging the female connector, make sure that the keyway on the cable
socket and the key on the device plug are properly aligned.
5. Fasten the screw ring of the female connector. This holds the connection cable in place.
6. Unfasten both nuts on the retaining bracket of the Meteo Station.
7. Push the Meteo Station over the top end of the pole.
8.
You may damage the Meteo Station by fastening the nuts on the retaining bracket
too tight.
• Tighten both nuts until the springs on the retaining bracket begin to compress.
• Then fasten each nut with three turns.
5.3 Mounting the Module Temperature Sensor
Requirements:
☐ The module temperature sensor must be installed on a PV module that is not shaded at any time.
☐ A maximum cable route of 33 ft. (10 m) to the connecting terminal plate must be taken into
account.
Risk of burn injuries if you touch the PV modules
In strong, direct solar irradiation, PV modules can heat up to temperatures as high as
+176 °F (+80 °C).
• Mount the module temperature sensor at a time at which no direct sunlight is shining on the
PV modules.
The surface must be free of dirt and moisture, otherwise the module temperature sensor
is likely to fall off after sticking.
• Use the cleaning cloth to wipe the surface of the PV module at the spot where the
sensor is to be affixed. The spot must be located on the underside of the PV module.
2. Remove the masking paper from the pre-mounted double-sided adhesive tape on the module
temperature sensor.
3.
Damage to the PV module if you press the sensor on too hard
It is possible to damage the PV module by pressing the module temperature sensor on too hard.
• Observe the notes on mechanical strength in the PV module manual.
• Stick the module temperature sensor to the clean adhesive surface on the PV module,
pressing it on as firmly as the mechanical strength allows.
4. Lay the module temperature sensor cable to the
mounting location of the connecting terminal plate.
5. Connect one insulated conductor of the module
temperature sensor to Pin 5 and the other to Pin 6
of the connecting terminal plate. This can be done
in any order.
6.1 Terminal Assignment of the Pre-harnessed Connection Cable
Pin no.ColorSignal designation
1whiteGround supply voltage (GND)
2brownPositive supply voltage (+12V)
3greenRS485 (D + )
4yellowRS485 (D − )
5grayModule temperature sensor
6pinkModule temperature sensor
Insulated conductors 1 to 4 are already connected to the connecting terminal plate upon delivery.
The terminating resistor is connected between insulated conductors 3 and 4. Pins 5 and 6 must be
connected to the two insulated conductors of the module temperature sensor, in any order.
6.2 Connecting the Meteo Station to the RS485 Communication Bus
Requirement:
☐ The RS485 cable must be connected to the RS485 bus node (see manual of the RS485 bus node).
☐ Note the pre-harnessed termination of the Meteo Station by means of the terminator
(for details of the layout of the RS485-communication bus, see the technical description
"RS485 Cabling Plan").
1. Strip 8 in. (200 mm) of the cable sheath off the RS485 cable.
2. Shorten the cable shield to
3.Trim the u nne ede d in sul ated cond uct ors bac k as far as the cab le sheath (for terminal assignment
and wiring, see the technical description "RS485 Cabling Plan").
4. Pull back the cable shield and cover with conductive
adhesive foil.
5. Connect the RS485 cable to the shield connection terminal of the connection cable, making
sure that the conductive adhesive foil has electrical contact to the shield connection terminal.
6. Strip the insulation of both conductors of the RS485 cable by 1⁄4in. (6 mm) and connect these
to Pin 3 and Pin 4 of the connecting terminal plate. Observe the correct polarity: "Data +" to
Pin 3 and "Data − " to Pin 4 (see 6.1 "Terminal Assignment of the Pre-harnessed Connection
Cable", page 21 and the technical description "RS485 Cabling Plan")
6.3 Connecting the Power Supply Unit to the Power Supply
Requirements:
☐ The module temperature sensor must be connected (see Section 5.3 "Mounting the Module
Temperature Sensor", page 19).
☐ The power supply unit must be connected to the connecting terminal plate
(see Section 5.3 "Mounting the Module Temperature Sensor", page 19).
☐ The SMA Meteo Station must be connected to the connecting terminal plate
(see Section 6.2 "Connecting the Meteo Station to the RS485 Communication Bus", page 21).
1. Install the power supply unit as described in the Installation Instructions for Power Supply Unit
from Phoenix Contact.
The Meteo Station cannot be
queried or does not respond to
queries.
The Meteo Station reports error
value 1 "ErrSensAmbTemp" or
error value 6
"WrnSensAmbTemp".
The Meteo Station reports error
value 2 "ErrSensModTemp" or
error value 7
"WrnSensModTemp", or
unrealistic values are displayed
for the module temperature
sensor.
The RS485 communication bus is not terminated.
Corrective measures:
• Terminate the RS485 communication bus at the connecting
terminal plate (for information on termination, see the
technical description "RS485 Cabling Plan").
The RS485 communication bus is not terminated.
Corrective measures:
• Terminate the RS485 communication bus at the connecting
terminal plate (for information on termination, see the
technical description "RS485 Cabling Plan").
Supply voltage is interrupted.
Corrective measures:
• Ensure that the Meteo Station is supplied with voltage.
Cable shields are not properly positioned.
Corrective measures:
• Ensure that the cable shields are properly positioned and
connected to the shield connection terminal.
The sensor for measuring ambient temperature is faulty.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the SMA Service Line
(see Section 11 "Contact", page 32).
The module temperature sensor has no contact with the
PV module.
Corrective measures:
• Ensure that there is contact between the module
temperature sensor and the PV module.
The module temperature sensor is defective.
Corrective measures:
• Contact the SMA Service Line
(see Section 11 "Contact", page 32).
• Pack the device. For this purpose, use the original packaging or packaging suitable for the
weight and size of the device (see Section 10 "Technical Data", page 29).
8.5 Disposing of the Meteo Station
• Dispose of the device according to the disposal regulations for electronic waste that apply at
the installation site.
or
• Send the device to SMA at your own expense (for contact details, see Section
11 "Contact", page 32) Label the packaging "ZUR ENTSORGUNG" ("FOR DISPOSAL").
If you have technical problems concerning our products, contact the SMA Service Line. We need the
following data in order to provide you with the necessary assistance:
• Serial number and firmware version of the SMA Meteo Station
• Serial number and firmware version of the Sunny WebBox
SMA Solar Technology America, LLC
6020 West Oaks Blvd, Ste 300
Rocklin, CA 95765
Tel. +1 916 625 0870
Tel. +1 877-MY SMA TECH
Tel. +1 877 697 6283 (Toll free, available for USA, Canada and Puerto Rico)
Fax +1 916 625 0871
Service@SMA-America.com
www.SMA-America.com
SMA Solar Technology Canada Inc.
2425 Matheson Blvd. E, 8th Floor
Mississauga, ON L4W 5K5
Canada
Tel. +1 877 506 1756 (Toll free, available for Canada)
Service@SMA-Canada.ca
www.SMA-Canada.ca