Antenna

This section of the Deno Sensor setup will go through mounting the antenna for the sensors.

Please read the full Denowatts Antenna Placement article. This article provides detailed instructions on how to install the Denowatts antenna system best. It is pretty simple once you get the gist, but there are a few small things that can make a significant impact. We will go through the steps and considerations for the gateway antenna below as well.

By this point in the process, it should have already been verified that the Denos sensor is communicating in its respective location in the array, and these instructions will highlight the mounting process and a few key points to remember.

---

If the Denowatts gateway antenna is installed properly, radio communications will be strong and stable.

Example Denowatts Gateway Antenna Installation:

Installation Steps#

The Deno sensor antenna installation typically follows the gateway antenna installation. The Deno sensor antenna is installed near the Deno Sensor in the array. Follow the steps below for a proper Deno sensor antenna installation:

1. Screw the antenna into the back of the Deno sensor if not already, the connector Y-splitter is for a tracking POA sensor
2. Use the hardware included in the kit to mount the antenna between two modules high on the edge of the array. Ensure the antenna mount location does not shade the Deno sensor (5 feet away)
3. Tidy up the remaining cable with zip ties and wire clips. Ensure it is secure and away from moving parts and sharp edges.
4. Take pictures to document the installation.

Note: Each tracking system POA Deno sensor will come with 2 antennas and a Y-splitter. This allows for one antenna to be installed on each edge of the array and ensures line-of-sight throughout the day as the array tracks. This can be seen in the first picture of this page.

Key Points#

1. Sensor Antennas must be continuous line-of-sight with the Denowatts Gateway antenna, and no more than 1200 feet apart.
2. Must be mounted 4-6 feet away from other antennas.
3. If there is a cell tower next to the solar system, Deno sensors must be mounted as close to the gateway as possible. Cell towers create radio interferenec with the Deno wireless network.

Example Scenarios#

!! If there is a cell tower next to the solar system, Deno sensors must be mounted as close to the gateway as possible. Cell towers create radio interference with the Deno wireless network !!

2D Cross Section of the Antenna system is depicted above. Notice how the antennas are installed at the top edge of the panel to achieve the best, continuous line of sight to the gateway.

Tracker#

Notice how the gateway antenna is installed high up on a pole, in a vertical orientation, to provide a line of sight to a tracking array. Notice that each POA sensor has two antennas, mounted on opposite edges of the tracking table. This ensures a continuous line of sight throughout the day as the array tracks the sun.

Fixed Tilt#

Notice how the gateway antenna is installed high up on a pole in a vertical orientation to maintain a line of sight to a tracking array. Notice how the Deno antennas are installed far enough away from the sensor to avoid shading, and mounted on the top edge of the panel for the best line of sight.

Roof Top#

Notice that the gateway antenna is installed on the roof, not on the side of the building. This creates a line of sight between the antennas. All antennas are also mounted vertically.

Option A: An antenna with an extender cable can be run up the side of the building to the rooftop to create a line-of-sight between the Deno Sensor and the Gateway antennas

Option B: The Gateway antenna is extended up the side of the building, mounted horizontally, 3' off the wall, and the Deno Sensor antenna is brought to the edge of the building to create a line-of-sight with the Deno gateway antenna.

Option C: The Gateway can be mounted in a NEMA4 enclosure on the rooftop to create a line-of-sight between antennas.

Option D: The gateway antenna is extended as far away from the building as possible. Ideally, the Deno sensor is placed on the side of the array where the gateway is on the ground, and its antenna is extended to the edge of the building as far as possible.

---

Please contact Denowatts at any point while reading this guide with questions, comments, or concerns:

• By Phone: 978.309.6688 x1

• Email: support@denowatts.com

• Check out the Denowatts Support Center for more articles that dive deeper into our methodology and software.