Panel voltage.

[J.P.M.]

Looks like the price has come down on those Davis Pro II to about $500. Sure beats sticking your wet finger out the window to determine the weather.

My bad on nomenclature and product designation !

The complete model is : Davis Instruments Pro II "+"

The "+" designation includes the pyranometer solar and IR sensors. That retail price for the Pro II "+" is ~ $1,100. However, also probably needed/wanted are an additional receiver and a computer interface that add a few hundred $$'s to the price but are probably necessary. Sharp on line shopping can get everything needed or wanted. I paid about $1K on line for all of it from an outfit in AZ.

I apologize for the sloppy description.

[SunEagle]

My bad on nomenclature and product designation !

The complete model is : Davis Instruments Pro II "+"

The "+" designation includes the pyranometer solar and IR sensors. That retail price for the Pro II "+" is ~ $1,100. However, also probably needed/wanted are an additional receiver and a computer interface that add a few hundred $$'s to the price but are probably necessary. Sharp on line shopping can get everything needed or wanted. I paid about $1K on line for all of it from an outfit in AZ.

I apologize for the sloppy description.

Don't apologize. You can chalk up the misunderstanding to me reading too fast because I just missed the "+" sign. I see that provides additional tools and features for a more complete system. Nice equipment.

[J.P.M.]

Nice equipment.

I see you've been talking to my bride.

[sensij]

@ Sensij: Dude, respectfully suggest you consider investing $1K and get a Davis Pro II + and mounting it near your array.[/FONT]

Looks like the 6162 or 6163 (fan aspirated) are the models to consider. They've done a really good job of locking down the communication... I don't see any way to get at the data without another $200 or so add-on. The 6162 is on sale on Amazon for about $800, tempting. My plan was to wait until I receive the ITC after filing taxes next year, we'll see if my will power holds.

[J.P.M.]

Looks like the 6162 or 6163 (fan aspirated) are the models to consider. They've done a really good job of locking down the communication... I don't see any way to get at the data without another $200 or so add-on. The 6162 is on sale on Amazon for about $800, tempting. My plan was to wait until I receive the ITC after filing taxes next year, we'll see if my will power holds.

Float yourself a loan. There's no reruns on capturing data.

I got the fan aspirated wireless, 6153, the Vantage Pro II, not the 6163, the Vantage Pro II"+" as explained below. It has worked flawlessly for ~~ 2 yrs. The folks @ the factory were quite helpful. You'll need the suite w/ console - the basic item plus Weatherlink software, plus something called an Envoy 8X.

One money saver for me, was to get the Pro II and NOT the Pro II "+". The only difference between the two is that the Pro II "+" includes the pyranometer and IR sensor. Otherwise, they are identical. Then, I bought the pyranometer - the same one the Pro II "+" uses - (prod. # 6450) - since I don't need the IR sensor and saved ~ $150 or so. Basically, what I have is a Pro II "+" without the IR sensor. Manuals/software/setup are identical for either one. Assembly was about 4 hrs. I think most manuals/pert. stuff on line for preview.

I'd buy another Davis if my situation required it. Fit for purpose. Biggest PITA for me was designing a simple fixture for the roof mounting. As much as I rant about them, the best solution for me was ballasted and guyed, but it only weighs about 40 lb. or so. Hasn't moved yet.

My total w/ dealer prep., freight, title, taxes, floor mats, carwash, and a tank of gas was $978 drive off from a weather/scientific inst. dealer in AZ. 2 day shipping UPS. I think I did OK on prices, which may have changed some, but it doesn't seem so. You may do better than I did with some shopping around.

Start working on algorithms to convert GHI to POA. There are weather geek forums that discuss weather stations. I think I caught some inside things my mother never told me about Davis stuff, but I don't remember reading anything bad. Might be worth a sniff.