Solar panels monitoring

[paul johnson]

Hi there,

Recently I installed some solar panels on the roof of my house. I am very happy now that I can make use of this sustainable way of producing energy! But actually so far I don't have any idea of the performance of the panels. Is there anyone who can advise me or has some experience with some kind of monitor system?? I’m just looking for a simple one and preferably not that expensive

Thanks in advance

[theremart]

Monitoring.

Hi there,

Recently I installed some solar panels on the roof of my house. I am very happy now that I can make use of this sustainable way of producing energy! But actually so far I don't have any idea of the performance of the panels. Is there anyone who can advise me or has some experience with some kind of monitor system?? I’m just looking for a simple one and preferably not that expensive

Thanks in advance

Hi,

The controller I have the Morning star one has the ability to connect to your computer and store data points of amps / voltage the system is putting out.


There are other devices out there that do the same, that can be plugged inline and do data logging.

[thephotovoltaic]

You can start by connecting an ampermeter and multimeter to you power circuit.

It is connected directly to your home network ?

[kcarring]

Watt's Up

If you are not grid tied, and using batteries, this is nice (and affordable) tool, the Watt's Up meter:

Watt's Up Meter on ebay

If you are on a very simple grid tie you can use your existing meter outside, and also a kill-a-watt meter.