Development of a Novel Solar Radiation Measuring Device

Abstract

In this paper, a novel solar radiation measuring device is proposed. A solar cell, PIC controller, temperature sensors as well as a memory chip are used. The proposed device measures the solar radiation and the ambient temperature through a specific time period and then the measured data is stored on a memory chip through the PIC controller. After that the stored data can be transferred to a computer in order to be analyzed. However, a calibration of the used solar cell is done first, in order to derive an empirical relation between the solar radiation and the solar cell current. The results show that the developed solar radiation device is accurate as compared to the taken benchmark measuring device. Moreover, the developed device is cost effective as compared to the current commercial solar radiation measuring devices. This device helps in analyzing the solar energy impact in a specific region which helps in optimally sizing solar energy systems.