Azimuth and Technology: How Elsner Weather Stations revolutionize solar control

17 Jun 2025
elsner-weather-stations-solar-control

Azimuth and Technology: How Elsner Weather Stations revolutionize solar control

In the field of building automation, solar control stands out as one of the most critical challenges for improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Elsner Elektronik weather stations, like the Suntracer KNX series, represent an innovative solution, combining advanced sensors, intelligent logic, and full integration with KNX systems.


The Role of Dynamic Solar Control

An effective solar shading system requires much more than predefined schedules or standardized settings. It must respond in real time to variables such as:

  • Sun position: precise calculation of azimuth and elevation.

  • Brightness: adjustment based on user-defined threshold values.

  • Weather conditions: monitoring of wind, rain, and temperature.

Elsner weather stations, equipped with high-precision sensors, enable users to:

  • Track the solar position to optimally orient shading devices.

  • Customize threshold logic, activating shading only when necessary.

  • Block shading in winter to harness solar gains for heating.


Advanced Solutions for Every Need

The Elsner Suntracer KNX range stands out for its ability to adapt to various application contexts, thanks to its design specifics and advanced features:

Suntracer KNX pro

The Suntracer KNX pro is the ideal solution for large commercial and institutional buildings. This model excels with:

  • Application: managing complex projects with high precision.

  • Features: ultrasonic sensors for wind, brightness, temperature, atmospheric pressure, and rain.

  • Key strengths:

    • Control of up to 12 facades: superior capacity allowing detailed management of each building orientation.

    • Advanced safety logic: automatic protection against adverse weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rainfall.

    • Flexible parameterization: customizable configurations via ETS, including brightness thresholds and shading inclination angles.

    • State-of-the-art sensors:

      • Wind: two ultrasonic sensors measure speed and direction in real time.

      • Brightness: five sensors arranged circularly identify the maximum value for accurate solar path tracking.

      • Comprehensive detection: temperature, relative and absolute humidity, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation via heated sensor.

      • Integrated GPS for time and position data, with automatic calculation of azimuth and solar elevation.

Suntracer KNX sl

The Suntracer KNX sl offers a refined solution for residential buildings and small offices, where efficiency and aesthetic discretion are priorities. This model provides:

  • Application: designed for medium-sized buildings.

  • Features: effective management of up to 8 facades, with a compact and sleek design that integrates harmoniously with the surrounding architecture.

  • Key strengths:

    • Louvre tracking function: optimizes natural lighting and enhances indoor comfort by adjusting shading angles based on the solar position.

    • Advanced sensors: includes brightness, electronic wind, temperature, and precipitation sensors, along with precise azimuth and solar elevation calculation via integrated GPS.

    • Intuitive configuration: simple and flexible parameterization interface, ideal for less complex requirements.

Suntracer KNX-GPS

The Suntracer KNX-GPS is designed for residential applications and small buildings requiring a compact and versatile solution. This model stands out with:

  • Application: ideal for private homes and small buildings.

  • Features:

    • Compatibility with up to 6 facades.

    • Integrated sensors for brightness, temperature, wind, and rain.

    • Built-in GPS for automatic calculation of azimuth and solar elevation.

  • Key strengths:

    • Compact design: elegant and reduced dimensions, perfect for installations in limited spaces.

    • Efficient control: optimized shading management with pre-set logic for standardized needs.

    • Versatility: ideal for residential applications thanks to easy configuration and minimal maintenance.

Quick Comparison

Model

Facades

Wind Detection

Wind Sensor Monitoring

GPS & Azimuth

KNX Logic

Target Audience

Additional Notable Features

KNX pro

up to 12

Ultrasonic (speed/direction)

Yes

Yes

8 AND/OR, 8 modules, timer, summer comp.

Commercial

Multiple sensors, advanced logic, large scalability

KNX sl

up to 8

Electronic (speed only)

No

Yes

Similar to pro, louvre optimization

Residential

Discreet design, easy configuration

KNX‑GPS

up to 6

Standard

No

Yes

Basic logic + shading control

Residential

Compact format, simple maintenance

Professional Installation and Configuration

To maximize the performance of Elsner weather stations, it is essential to follow these guidelines:

  1. Positioning: Ensure at least 60 cm of free space around the device to avoid interference.

  2. Calibration: Precisely set parameters in ETS, including solar angles, activation delays, and brightness thresholds.

  3. Safety: Configure protection logic against weather elements such as strong winds or heavy rain.


Energy Savings and Sustainability

KNX weather stations not only improve indoor comfort but also contribute significantly to energy savings:

  • Summer: By preventing overheating, they reduce the load on cooling systems.

  • Winter: They leverage natural solar heat, lowering heating costs.

These features make Elsner solutions a strategic investment for both residential and commercial buildings.


Technical Support

To further explore the capabilities of Elsner weather stations, the company organizes dedicated webinars:

  • Solar Control for Smart Homes: A practical guide to configuring shading for 4 facades.

  • Advanced Management for Complex Buildings: An introduction to safety features and advanced parameterization for controlling 12 facades.


Conclusion

Elsner weather stations represent the future of solar control. Combining advanced technologies, customizable logic, and modern design, they offer excellent solutions to optimize energy efficiency and building comfort.

Find them at MT Distribuzione, your partner for innovative solar control and building automation solutions.

The MT Distribuzione Srl Team


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