Development of a solar energy meter for an experimental array

The relevance of the presented development is due to the need to create a device to read and process information from an experimental array of solar panels. The purpose of the array is to obtain reliable data for the verification of models for estimating photovoltaic power potential indicators used in justifying the feasibility of the adoption of solar power plants in the eastern regions of Russia. We present a description of the main and auxiliary equipment of the experimental array. The array’s solar panels are arranged in different ways so as to determine the most efficient tilt angle and justify the need for building a sun-tracking system. The proprietary device based on the Arduino microcontroller was designed to read and write the value of instantaneous power of solar panels. The sensor that will monitor the amperage is ACS712, which is connected to the gap of the power circuit. The study provides a diagram of the current meter and describe its operation. We outline the main stages of subsequent data processing.