LOW COST DIGITAL SOLAR INSOLATION METER

Abstract

Terrestrial solar insolation measurement is of fundamental importance for the evaluation and deployment of solar renewable energy systems. Standard sophisticated instruments like Pyranometer and Pyrheliometer are not suitable for large-scale use because of high cost, poor commercial availability and need of specialized knowledge for their handling. In this research work, an attempt has been made to develop a handy and cost effective digital solar insolation meter, which can be used widely by common users to gather ample quantity of measurement data. Test results were almost identical to those of a calibrated standard analog insolation meter