Building Performance Module

The City University of New YorkNew York City College Of TechnologyArchitectural Technology Department

written by Felix RodriguezSolar Power Meter - (Solar-100)

April 27, 2015

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Solar Power Meter - (Solar-100)

Definition:

The Solar Power Meter is a meter used for measuring solar radiation.

Applications:

Calculation and verification of the heating or heat reduction caused by direct sunlight.

Solar power research for location of the solar panels or solar water heater.

Measurement of the sun’s transmission through transparent and film glass.

Verify windows solar insulation efficiency.

Solar Power Meter - Loggers Components

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When taking measurements:

1. Avoid taking measurements in humid or wet places or using in rooms where explosive gas, combustile gas, steam or excessive dust is present.

2. Avoid taking measurements if you notice anomalous condi-tions such as breakages, deformations, fractures, leakages or battery liquid, blind display ect.

3. Operating environments are for indoor use.

4. Do not put this device in direct sunlight or where it is hot and/or damp. Remember to turn OFF the power after use. For long storage, remove the battery to prevent the battery from leaking to cause damage to the parts inside.

5. This is a precision device. During use or storage, do not go beyond its spec. to prevent any possible damange or danger.

Powering and Using the Solar Power Meter:

Step 1: Press the Power On button, to turn power on or off.

Step 2: Remove the sensor cap and place the sensor perpendicular to the light source.

Step 3: Select the prefered Unit (Watts or BTU).

Step 4: Select the range for reading.

Step 1:

Fig 1. Solar Power Meter - Power On Steps

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How to properly place the Logger for measuring:

1. Once cap is removed and meter powered on.

2. Sensor automatically displays readings as is pointed towards the light source.

3. Press Data Hold button to record on paper your readings. Press again to continue measuring.

Step 2:

How to Measure House’s windows solar insulation

Measure the solar insulation effect of your House’s windows.

1. Close the window.

2. Press the Power buttom on your SOLAR-100 solar power meter, and “00.0” comes up on the screen.

3. Put the device close to the window and aim it at the sun.

4. Compare the value against that acquired when the window is closed and the device is placed at the same position. in order to understand the windows’s heat efficiency.

Step 3:

Fig 2. Solar Power Meter - Placement on Solar Panel

Fig 3. Window Solar insulation

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How Solar Power Works

Step 4:Solar Power Meter - (Solar-100)

Image on the left show how Solar Power works for your home.

1. Solar Panels turn photons from the sun into DC Electricity.

2. The inverter in your home turns DC current into alternating current AC for use in your home.

3. Any excess power left can be sent back onto the grid.