An embedded system to measure ground-based solar irradiance signal

This paper describes the construction, design, and testing of a low-cost intelligent system to measure ground-based global solar irradiance signal. The prime characteristics of this developed system are accuracy, portability, minimize directional response, regulated internal temperature, protection from environmental hazards, remote monitoring, and finally, the cost which is much lower than the conventional pyranometer. The sensor module is designed using multiple sensors to achieve better directional response. The sensor module also has an electro-mechanical system to protect from different environmental hazards. The monitoring station has a graphical end with soft buttons for controlling the functionality of sensor station through a reliable wireless channel. The developed system tries to minimize the traditional shortcomings associated with solar radiation measurement system and offers mean absolute error of 1.27 W/m(2) and average directional response error of 6.76%. This system can be utilized in solar radiation measurement applications where cost is a key factor for selection.