SDL-1 Solar Data Logger
Monitor sunlight with this self-contained data logger
The SDL-1 Solar Data Logger is useful to anyone wanting to know how much solar power can be produced from the available sunlight (solar insolation) at their location. It is a self-contained solar energy meter that measures and records the sun’s irradiance at regular intervals for up to 170 days at a time. It also reports the cumulative incident solar energy that the data logger receives during its deployment.
For a planned solar power system, the SDL-1 can help determine the best location and optimal tilt for the solar panels. For systems already in place, the SDL-1 is further useful for monitoring solar power system performance over time.
The logger is housed in a weatherproof enclosure and powered by a standard 9V battery with a typical battery life of two years. Data is stored in non-volatile memory and can be transferred to a computer through a USB interface. A communications program such as HyperTerminal can be used to transfer logged data to a computer as a file of comma separtated values. The data can then be analyzed and plotted using a spreadsheet program.
See below for ordering information.
For more information click on the links below to download the manual or brochure.
Download Manual (PDF 2MB)
SDL-1 Notes and Updates (PDF 500KB)
SDL-1 Brochure (PDF 300KB)
SDL-1 ORDERING:
Unassembled SDL-1 Kit
Includes a printed manual and a complete set of parts (circuit board, electrical components, hardware, and enclosure). The surface mount IC's are preinstalled. Requires soldering of 32 surface mount components (non IC's) and 9 through-hole components. Intermediate soldering skills and some experience with surface mount soldering are helpful. A 9V battery and USB cable are required (not included). See our APS Adjustable Power Supply kit for an introduction to surface mount soldering.
Price: $69.95
Partially Assembled SDL-1 Kit
Includes a printed manual and a complete set of parts (circuit board, electrical components, hardware, and enclosure). All surface mount components are preinstalled. Requires soldering of 9 through-hole components. Beginner level soldering skills are sufficient. A 9V battery and USB cable are required (not included).
Price: $129.95
Fully Assembled SDL-1
Completely assembled and tested SDL-1. Ready to log solar data out of the box. Includes printed manual and USB cable. Requires a 9V battery (not included).
Price: $159.95
Accessories
USB A-B cable (USB 2.0 compatible, 6 ft)
Price: $4.00
SDL-1 Kit Without Enclosure
This is exactly like the Unassembled SDL-1 Kit described above except that the gray PVC enclosure and associated enclosure hardware are not incuded.
Price: $57.95
Solar Power Basics
The higher efficiency and lower cost of today’s solar panels has caused renewed interest in converting sunlight into electricity. The increasing cost of utility electric power is making
solar power even more attractive. The cumulative global photovoltaic capacity was 5,000
MW in 2006 and is growing by about 22 percent each year.
To take full advantage of solar
power for a given application, the generating capacity must be sized appropriately
according to the expected load and the amount of solar resource available. The amount of
solar resource tends to vary greatly depending on factors such as atmospheric conditions, time of year, latitude and local terrain. Quantifying the solar resource is key to the proper sizing of
a photovoltaic installation to meet the expected energy demands of the system.
For more about the basics of solar power, click here.
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