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:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=217879
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
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_209173_langId_-1_categoryId_165562
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:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=217879
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
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_209173_langId_-1_categoryId_165562
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