Solar Power Measurement

Introduction

This page describes how to set up a solar panel for power measurement.

Materials

• Arduino Uno
• Grove shield
• Solar panel with alligator clips
• Current sensor with Grove connector and A/B/C connections
• Grove cable

These components (minus the Arduino) can be found in this kit.

Assembly Instructions

1. If necessary, remove the clear plastic covering from the solar panel.
2. Clip the black alligator clip from the solar panel to the screw on the current sensor labeled A.
3. Clip the red alligator clip from the solar panel to the screw on the current sensor labeled C.
4. Connect the current sensor to one of the I2C pins on the Grove shield.

Next you'll need to load the WireGarden sketch on your Arduino. You can use the Arduino Programmer tool. Make sure that the INA219 device (that's our current sensor) is enabled. To do that click on Options in the Arduino Programmer and make sure there's a check next to Enable INA219 Current Sensor. Then select your Arduino type and port and click Send to Arduino.

Using the Kit

You can use the Sensor Plotter tool to get live readings from the current sensor. Select Add Sensor then INA219.

Troubleshooting

If you have any trouble, email support@manylabs.org.