Solar Panel Power Monitor

[Joe Caverly]

Hi,
Is there a freeware package that would allow me to monitor the power
output of a Solar Panel? Would like the package to include
instructions on how to construct a cable that would connect Solar
Panel to PC so that it can be monitored.

I want to monitor the time frame that the Solar Panel is being
exposed to sunlight, thus recording the time frame when the Solar
Panel is outputting the most power.

I'm using Win98SE as my OS.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[Roger Johansson]

Is there a freeware package that would allow me to monitor the power
output of a Solar Panel? Would like the package to include
instructions on how to construct a cable that would connect Solar
Panel to PC so that it can be monitored.

I want to monitor the time frame that the Solar Panel is being
exposed to sunlight, thus recording the time frame when the Solar
Panel is outputting the most power.

I'm using Win98SE as my OS.

Just a cable will not be enough. You need a way to digitize the value of
voltage, and maybe the current too, before the computer can do anything
with it.

1: DIY route, learn to solder and build simple circuits.

2: Buy a readymade measurement card for your computer.

In any case, you will get much better help if you ask this question in
sci.electronics.basic

(The software is less of a problem than the hardware. There are freeware
measurement progs and if you buy a readymade card the software is
usually included. It is fairly simple to write your own routines too.)

 

[Bob Adkins]

In any case, you will get much better help if you ask this question in
sci.electronics.basic

Or alt.energy.homepower

Bob

 

[ray]

Check out this link...Tempreature logger and more...
you will need to be competent with some electronics construction though.
Regards
Ray

http://www.anotherurl.com/therm/Default.htm