Senseca MDFS Dust Fall Monitoring System for PV Panels

Senseca MDFS

Senseca MDFS Dust Fall Monitoring System for PV Panels

Senseca MDFS

Art. number:
Date published 23.09.2026
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The Senseca MDFS is a dust and soiling monitoring system for photovoltaic panels, designed to help solar plant operators determine the optimal time for PV module cleaning.

The system evaluates the effect of soiling on solar radiation by comparing the signals from two temperature-compensated reference cells. It is available in versions with a voltage output (MDFS2) or Modbus communication (MDFS2-S).

One reference cell, the Clean Cell, must always be kept clean, while the second, the Dirty Cell, is cleaned at the same time as the photovoltaic panels. By comparing the readings from the two cells, the system provides a clear indication of performance losses caused by dust and dirt accumulation.

The MDFS can be used in two operating modes:

  • Basic mode – the operator manually compares the Clean Cell and Dirty Cell readings to determine when cleaning is required. No control box is needed in this mode.
  • Advanced mode – when used with the optional control box, the system automatically calculates the soiling attenuation rate (%), supporting cleaning decisions and confirming that cleaning and maintenance activities have been carried out.

The Senseca MDFS is suitable for photovoltaic power plants and PV monitoring systems where the effect of soiling on system performance needs to be monitored and cleaning schedules optimized.

For more information:
MDFS - Dust Fall Monitoring System for PV Panel Cleaning - Senseca

 
 

Data Channels

The MDFS system provides 5 data channels:

Channel Unit Description
Sun Elevation ° Sun elevation angle calculated by the DAS in real time
Clean Solar Cell Rad. W/m² Solar radiation measured by the reference cell labeled Clean Cell. This cell must always be kept clean
Dirty Solar Cell Rad. W/m² Solar radiation measured by the reference cell labeled Dirty Cell. This cell must be cleaned at the same time as the PV panels of the solar plant
MDFS Status Code Binary code with 9 information flag bits, including system diagnostics and cleaning / operating alarms
Attenuation % Percentage of solar radiation loss due to soiling

Technical Specifications

Solar Radiation Measurement

Parameter MDFS2 MDFS2-S
Measurement Range 0–1400 W/m² 0–1400 W/m²
Temperature Compensation Yes Yes
Measurement Error ±2.1% ±2.2%
Output 65 mV analog signal at 1000 W/m² RS485 half-duplex, Modbus RTU

The soiling ratio is calculated by the MTD-4000.

Control Box

Parameter MDFS2 MDFS2-S
Digital Outputs (Buttons) 2: Clean warning, pairing instruction 2: Clean warning, pairing instruction

Controlled by the MTD-4000 data logger.

General Specifications

Parameter MDFS2 MDFS2-S
Power Supply Not applicable 12–33 V DC
Power Consumption Not applicable Average: 20 mW; maximum: 80 mA
Operating Temperature -20 to +60 °C -20 to +60 °C
Ingress Protection Rating IP65 IP65
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