Seaward — Solar Survey 200R irradiance meter (396A914)
A reference-cell irradiance meter with logging and a two-year warranty — but no accuracy figure on its specifications page.
Reviewed 6 October 2026 · verdict on public record, hard specs awaiting a sourced feed
Seaward’s Solar Survey 200R is a hand-held irradiance meter for PV surveys and commissioning. It uses a photovoltaic reference cell — which the maker says is more accurate than photodiode-based irradiance meters — and measures 100 to 1,250 W/m² (display range 0–1,500 W/m²) at 1 W/m² resolution, plus module temperature through an optional suction-mount probe (−30 °C to +125 °C), a compass (0–360°) and an inclinometer (0–90°).
It logs 5,000 datasets at a user-defined 1–60 minute interval, downloads over USB, and can send readings wirelessly (Solarlink) to Seaward’s PV150/PV200 testers at roughly 30 m. It runs on two AA batteries for more than 20,000 readings, is stated to be IEC 62446 compliant, and carries a two-year warranty with a one-year calibration interval.
What the specifications page does not give is the measurement accuracy, the IP rating or the dimensions. The reference-cell advantage is the maker’s claim; without an accuracy figure the buyer cannot compare it with, for example, the ±(5% + 5 digits) stated by Fluke’s irradiance meter.
For Installers & Engineers
Deeper technical detail beyond the homeowner-facing summary above.
The reported measurement range starts at 100 W/m² and stops at 1,250 W/m². Fluke’s IRR1-SOL range is 50–1,400 W/m². Standards-based PV testing normally needs high irradiance anyway, so the practical difference is small, but note the upper limit for very clear, high-altitude or cloud-edge conditions.
The calibration interval is stated as one year. Budget for annual recalibration — an instrument used for performance verification is only as good as its calibration date.
The listed part, 396A914, is the 433 MHz wireless variant. Wireless radio bands are regulated by country, so confirm that the exact variant you buy is permitted for use in India and compatible with whichever tester you pair it with.
The suction-mount temperature probe (396A980) is an optional accessory, not included — budget for it if you need module-temperature readings for performance calculations.
The Scorecard
How we scoreStandards & Safety Compliance
IEC 62446 compliance and a reference cell are stated, but the measurement accuracy and calibration traceability are not on the page.
Build Quality & Durability
No IP rating or dimensions are stated, so ruggedness for site use cannot be judged.
Fit & Ease of Use
Logging, USB and a wireless link to Seaward testers are useful; the temperature probe is extra.
Documentation, Warranty & Support
A stated two-year warranty and one-year calibration interval are more than most irradiance-meter pages give.
Value for Money
Not assessed — we have not sourced a current India price.
Strengths
- Uses a PV reference cell, which the maker says improves accuracy over photodiode meters
- Logs 5,000 datasets; USB download and wireless link to Seaward’s PV150/PV200
- IEC 62446 compliance stated; two-year warranty and one-year calibration interval stated
- Two AA batteries last for more than 20,000 readings
Watch-outs
- No accuracy figure, IP rating or dimensions on the specifications page
- Module-temperature probe is an optional extra
- Wireless variant is 433 MHz; confirm legality and compatibility for India
- No India distributor or service route stated; the reference-cell advantage is a maker claim
Datasheet Specifications
| Irradiance range | 100–1,250 W/m² measurement · 0–1,500 W/m² display · 1 W/m² resolution |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Photovoltaic reference cell |
| Temperature | −30 °C to +125 °C · 1° resolution · suction-mount probe 396A980 optional |
| Compass / inclinometer | 0–360° · 0–90° · 1° resolution |
| Logging | 5,000 datasets · 1–60 min sample rate · USB download |
| Wireless | Solarlink to PV150/PV200 · about 30 m · 433 MHz part 396A914 |
| Power | 2 × AA alkaline · > 20,000 readings |
| Standards / warranty / calibration | IEC 62446 compliant · 2-year warranty · 1-year calibration interval |
| Accuracy / IP rating / dimensions | Not found on the product page as retrieved |
Specifications marked “datasheet-stated” are manufacturer figures we have not independently measured. Always confirm the exact model on its current datasheet before purchase.
Open the manufacturer’s datasheet for Seaward Solar Survey 200R irradiance meter (396A914)Who It’s For
- Test engineers who already own or plan Seaward PV testers and want wireless irradiance logging
- Teams that value a stated warranty and calibration interval
- Buyers who will request the accuracy figure and calibration certificate before purchase
Our Verdict
A sensible, well-supported irradiance meter whose best features are a reference cell and clear warranty and calibration terms. Get the accuracy specification and a calibration certificate in writing before buying, since the public page leaves them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a reference-cell and a photodiode irradiance meter?
A reference cell is a small PV device matched to module behaviour, which Seaward says gives better accuracy than photodiode detectors. Ask for the stated accuracy figure rather than relying on the technology alone.
How often should the Solar Survey 200R be calibrated?
The page lists a one-year calibration interval and a two-year warranty.
What irradiance range does the Solar Survey 200R measure?
100–1,250 W/m², with a display range of 0–1,500 W/m² and 1 W/m² resolution.
Data Provenance
- Verified on
- 6 October 2026
- ALMM status
- Unknown — verify directly
- Source datasheet
- View official manufacturer datasheet
More Testing & Commissioning Tools reviews
- FLIR — E54 advanced thermal imaging cameraHUM score 3.4/5 · reviewed 2026-10-06
- Fluke — IRR1-SOL / IRR2-BT solar irradiance meterHUM score 3.9/5 · reviewed 2026-10-06
- HT Instruments — I-V500w 1,500 V I-V curve tracerHUM score 3.6/5 · reviewed 2026-10-06
- Testo — 872 thermal imagerHUM score 3.9/5 · reviewed 2026-10-06
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No paid rankings, no affiliate links. No manufacturer can pay for a score or a place on this page. We review published specifications and field reality against a transparent methodology — we are not a laboratory, and we never present a number as a test we did not run.