Data Loggers (TSAWR & LPR-200)

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Sensors

Sensors can be tested in many ways...

via Centaur (Nanometrics sensors)

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via data comparision (vs S1.AUANU)

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Solar Panels

(originally written by F. Bozinovic November 2024)

Testing solar panels is vital for any remote seismic station, since role of the solar panel ensures that the batteries are kept charged throughout the day. Therefore, reliably testing them ensures only the working panels are installed on remote sites, ensuring success of the site operation and serviceability.

This procedure describes the method for testing solar panels and determining how to identify defective panels. The testing of solar panels should be performed outdoors, under bring sun to obtain accurate results.

DO NOT test solar panels indoors using room lighting, this does not provide adequate light energy and will not give reliable results. 

Following materials are required 

• Solar panel for testing 

• Digital multi-meter (DMM) 

• Load Resistor (designated power resistor of known value) 

• Wire leads 

• Alligator clips 

• Spreadsheet with formulae 

• Marker/ pen 

Test Method 

1. Clearly label each solar panel to keep track of measurements. 
2. Record the manufacturers power rating of the solar panel. Perform all measurement outdoors under bright sunny conditions! 
3. Using wire leads and/ or alligator clips measure the open circuit Voltage and Current of the solar panel and record. Make sure to change the dial on the DMM as taking measurement under incorrect setting will damage the DMM! 
4. Using wire leads and/ or alligator clips connect the Load Resistor and measure the Voltage across the resistor and record. 

Ensure the load resistor value is accurately measured and recorded. A difference in 0.1 Ohms results in 1% power difference in calculated result.

Once all the solar panels have been tested and their results recorded, enter their values under the corresponding panel label in a spreadsheet. The cells containing preset formula will auto-populate and provide the results.

If the spreadsheets need to be developed, follow the steps in the next section. 

Developing a spreadsheet 

Create a spreadsheet with following cells 

For cells in rows (Solar panel #ID), (Voc), (Ioc), (Vrl), enter the recorded values. 

These values should be measured and NOT taken from the panel specification sticker. The values may appear same or similar but these are manufacturer factory values obtained under very strict control conditions. 

(Rload) cell is the Load Resistor value. This cell is a constant and does not need to be copied for all entries. 

Inside the “Vrl (Theoretical)” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells. 

[Equation] 

Inside the “Rated Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells. 

[Equation] 

Inside the “Load Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells. 

[Equation] 

Inside the “Power Loss %” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells. 

The calculated values that are negative represent power loss, and positive values are power gain. Performing “conditional formatting” on these cells with colour gradient (defined by colour break limits) would yield visually easy to recognise defective panels.  

[Equation] 

Perform all the calculations for each solar panel ID entered. 

Solar panels with power loss of 20% or more should be clearly marked as defective and not be used in any future deployments.