Solar variability datalogger

Journal Article · Thu Jul 28 00:00:00 EDT 2016 · Journal of Solar Energy Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4034071· OSTI ID:1326208

Lave, Matthew ^[1]; Stein, Joshua ^[2]; Smith, Ryan ^[3]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)
2. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
3. Pordis, LLC, Austin, TX (United States)

To address the lack of knowledge of local solar variability, we have developed and deployed a low-cost solar variability datalogger (SVD). While most currently used solar irradiance sensors are expensive pyranometers with high accuracy (relevant for annual energy estimates), low-cost sensors display similar precision (relevant for solar variability) as high-cost pyranometers, even if they are not as accurate. In this work, we present evaluation of various low-cost irradiance sensor types, describe the SVD, and present validation and comparison of the SVD collected data. In conclusion, the low cost and ease of use of the SVD will enable a greater understanding of local solar variability, which will reduce developer and utility uncertainty about the impact of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and thus will encourage greater penetrations of solar energy.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1326208
• Report Number(s): SAND-2015-10902J; 618836
• Journal Information: Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Vol. 138, Issue 5; ISSN 0199-6231
• Publisher: ASME
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
sensors
actinometers
solar energy