Assessment of Solar Energy Resource for PV Plant Development Using a Low-cost PV Monitoring System

In this work, we propose the use of a low-cost PV monitoring system for providing accurate and comprehensive data required in development efficient reliable solar plants. The is developed based on an open-source Arduino platform with capability to monitor irradiance, electric outputs temperature multiple panels, which should enable assessment energy resource, as well electrical produced by plant under real operating conditions. To demonstrate its applicability, has been installed at campus Politeknik Negeri Pontianak City, collected used assess resource location. Data from August 2020 September 2021 shows that values irradiation are range 2.9–4.1 kWh/m2 per day, commercial panels 0.30–0.46 correspond monthly averaged efficiencies 8–13%. 15–40 % lower than those obtained space-averaged satellite 4.1–5.8 day. This significant effects local conditions, confirms advantage using directly accounts conditions without need simulation complex model sophisticated software satellite-derived data.