CEMLA-1017 Solar Power Meter &DMM

If you're serious about your DIY or homegrown solar panel installation then you need a solar meter to determine where to place your panels in order to optimize their solar exposure, and therefore your power generation.This meter is easy to use, with clear and concise instructions that made it easy for me learn how to use the device for my scenario.The entire unit is compact and comes with a case for easy storage.It doubles as a regular digital multimeter as well so you can check your connections while you're working with your panel setup.Necessary piece of gear for anyone working with solar panel setups.

Summary: I have been tinkering with setting up solar fixed panels (vs. portable), so a solar power meter allows me to measure the sunlight in a given area without actually setting up a panel. Previously ordered a Dr. Meter back in 2016, and have also used digital multimeters (DMM) since childhood, so will be evaluating this combo solar power meter and DMM by CEM Instruments.Observations:1) The first thing I noticed is that this unit takes both a 9-volt battery _AND_ two AAAs. Once you install the 9V, the solar power meter is functional, and the AAA is for the DMM lower half. Checking the specs on the power meter, this CEM will measure a maximum of 1999 W/m^2, where as the Dr. Meter goes to 3999 W/m^2. This CEM has a dedicated (vs. built-in to the case) light meter, so it's has more flexibility in use.2) The first thing to note is there is a difference between a solar power meter, technically a Pyranometer; and a Illuminance meter. The Pyranometer measures in Watts/square meter (W/m^2), where as the illuminance measures in lux. An easy way to think about it is the difference between an incandescent and LED bulb; both give off light, but the incandescent also has radiated heat (LEDs also give off some heat). Or the sunlight filtered through a tinted window; both have light, but the tinted window blocks the ultraviolet, and hence the heat too. The Dr. Meter below was $20 back in 2016, and I couldn't find a solar power meter in that price range any more (lowest is >$85), and the lux meters, typically used for photography are $30-40.3) DMMs now days have a lot of features; however, the one built into this CEM is pretty basic, essentially voltage, current and resistance (and diode/continuity). New DMMs have additional feature such as: Capacitance, Non-contact voltage (NCV), and built-in LED lighting (and back-lighting).Recommendations: 1) To install the batteries, remove the blue soft cover, and then the two screws. 2) DMMs have different levels of accuracy, typically denoted by "count", the NEOTECK which I recently Vine reviewed is a 9999 count (pretty high accuracy). Understand what your digital multi-meter needs are, and buy one that matches you budget and application.Pros: Combined unit.Cons: Dual batteries required. Basic DMM features.Conclusion: At $105, rating this one 4-stars, it's basically a power meter with a built-in basic DMM. I am not a fan of multiple devices in the same unit, especially when the DMM features are very basic. Recommend buying a standalone product. For a specific example, CEM also has a combo Satellite Measure and DMM; if you had that unit, and this unit, you would redudant, basic DMMs.Related Products:Dr.Meter SM206 Digital Solar BTU Power Meter ~ $20 (2016)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008R5W2J2Neoteck True RMS 9999 Counts Digital Multimeter, Large Backlit EBTN LCD, Manual & Auto Ranging Integrated ~ $40https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D3JR1K7CEM LA-1016 2 in 1 Satellite Finder & DMM Measure DC/AC Voltage, DC/AC Current, Resistance, Continuity & Diode ~ $53https://www.amazon.com/CEM-Satellite-Measure-Resistance-Continuity/dp/B07V6CQD5Y

Takes the guesswork of "how many solar panels do I need for my location?" and turns it into hard data. Pretty much an essential tool if you work in solar power. Owning many solar panels, charge controllers, and inverters, I'm a bit of a "solar hobbyist" constantly expanding my capabilities. This helps with many aspects of working with the sun, from determining how many panels you need, to diagnosing solar panels getting too old.The only reason I gave it a star off is...and remember, it's 2021...it uses both AA's and a 9 volt battery.Guys...it's 2021. This should have a lithium ion pack that runs the whole thing that I can charge via USB C. I shouldn't have to hope and pray that both sets of batteries in my unit are fully operational.As far as the voltmeter functionality, yes, it has that too. Which, once again, help a lot if you're diagnosing solar arrays. But I have other (better) voltmeters, and this one is pretty vanilla. It's really all about the solar power meter, and that part works fine for me.

Put three different sets of batteries and then put my variable voltage meter to the correct voltage and got nothing as well with that ether. It seems to be of good quality and the accessories for it are as well nice quality too. The pieces and parts all fit together well and lines are consistent throughout the tool. But I really can’t go any further on it’s functionality. I’m going to get with the seller and send it back for analysis and have another sent out if possible. But for now it’s a DOA. I’ll update when I get a replacement. Two Stars ⭐️⭐️—