Individual Solar Panel Tracking

TandemDrip · 07-19-13, 01:37 AM

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone has experience in tracking the performance of individual panels in a string ? I don't want to use a micro inverter. I want to measure the output of each panel and report the performance back to a central microprocessor (arduino) using an RF link. DigiKey have a TI product that does this but the kit will cost $150 per panel.

It's good value since it includes a DC/DC converter, a built in MPPT tracker (with buck, boost and buck-boost modes), a bypass diode and RF link for each panel - but I was hoping to do it myself with a separate ATtiny for each panel .

Any thoughts ?

Daox · 07-19-13, 11:20 AM

Welcome to the site.

You have an interesting idea. It honestly kind of sounds like a pain to do, but it can definitely be done.

I'd start with a voltage divider to measure the panel voltage and then I'd get a current sensor to read amps. I'm not familiar with wireless stuff, so you're on your own there unless someone else can chime in. Sending volts and amps back to the central unit should allow you to do whatever you need to with that info.

07-19-13, 01:37 AM	#1
TandemDrip Lurking Renovator Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Individual Solar Panel Tracking Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone has experience in tracking the performance of individual panels in a string ? I don't want to use a micro inverter. I want to measure the output of each panel and report the performance back to a central microprocessor (arduino) using an RF link. DigiKey have a TI product that does this but the kit will cost $150 per panel. It's good value since it includes a DC/DC converter, a built in MPPT tracker (with buck, boost and buck-boost modes), a bypass diode and RF link for each panel - but I was hoping to do it myself with a separate ATtiny for each panel . Any thoughts ?

07-19-13, 11:20 AM	#2
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	Welcome to the site. You have an interesting idea. It honestly kind of sounds like a pain to do, but it can definitely be done. I'd start with a voltage divider to measure the panel voltage and then I'd get a current sensor to read amps. I'm not familiar with wireless stuff, so you're on your own there unless someone else can chime in. Sending volts and amps back to the central unit should allow you to do whatever you need to with that info. __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.