Measuring the yield of your solar cell (1 Viewer)

[ocsid]

I have wished for some easily usable indication of the yield of my solar cell at various times, conditions and locations without the Heath Robinson use of my multi meter or the expense of a proper meter.
I have found a neat relatively cheap solution for directly measuring the current charging your battery from your solar cell.
It requires the purchase of an “Automotive current Tester” from Maplins for £10; here is a link to the unit. You are likely to need the N48CY model as that suits our normal size blade fuses:

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This unit’s probe fits into a normal fuse holder; the removed fuse then fits into the side of the probe thus retaining the protection. In that state it retains the function of a fused supply and can be left indefinitely in place even with the unit “off”.
When you switch it “on” it then displays the current to one hundredth of an Amp on the digital display, fluctuating with passing clouds and even settling flies.
You probably would not leave it displaying as it uses a little power from its replaceable photo type 12 volt battery, £1.50. As I pointed out it can be left in place even switched “off” it will still allow the solar cell to continue charging.
Used prudently to eek out battery life it gives you an accurate indication of the yield in the conditions at that time, sun cloud rain evening or morning.

In most cases there ought to be a fuse in line between the solar regulator and the battery positive and if this is a blade type you can locate the probe there. If not then like me you can get a single fuse holder from Halfords, £1.90

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[pappajohn]

thanks for the link Ocsid,

looks a useful piece of kit to have, whatever you use it for.:thumb:

ideal for checking individual circuits for current usage as well as your suggestion. :thumb:

i use a clamp type ammeter but it means dragging it out of a cupboard and clipping it to the wire to be checked.

 

[ocsid]

thanks for the link Ocsid,

looks a useful piece of kit to have, whatever you use it for.:thumb:

ideal for checking individual circuits for current usage as well as your suggestion. :thumb:

i use a clamp type ammeter but it means dragging it out of a cupboard and clipping it to the wire to be checked.

I did exactly that with it, checking out the user loads of all the kit in a new unit.
The result of that was buying £100's worth of LEDs! So not saved much money in the end.

Cheers Ocsid

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[Gonewiththewind]

I did exactly that with it, checking out the user loads of all the kit in a new unit.
The result of that was buying £100's worth of LEDs! So not saved much money in the end.

Cheers Ocsid

Thats a hell of a lot of LED's

 

[ocsid]

Thats a hell of a lot of LED's

With 6 at £12 and 4 at £8 each for good SMD's its only 10 LEDs in all; not what I would call a lot.
However they are exceptionally good on lighting with about a third of the power drain.