Data logging for solar panels

ruffmut

I have two solar panels on my roof as a east west split as I don't have a south facing roof. I want to start to log the temperatures on the panels and at the cylinder on my laptop.

Would someone know where to get a data logger or point me in the right direction.

ccsolar

Hi Ruffmutt
What make of solar controller is installed with your system as you might be able to change the controller for 1 with a built in data logger.
The SNIP comes with a SD card data logger, this is a complete pumping station, but you only need the controller with the data logger.
We would need to know what make you have to see if it is compatible.

CC

Edit: Makes, models and companies by PM only please.

ruffmut

I have just gone through the manual and there is no controller model or model number on it. I have looked a the controller itself and there is no brand name on it either.

I will give the installer a shout to see what type of controller it is.

ccsolar

Can you post a picture of the controller or pump station and a few of the suppliers on here will be able to help you out.

CC

ruffmut

This is the picture of the control unit and pumping station. I hope this can help you point me in the right direction

quentingargan

ruffmut wrote: »

This is the picture of the control unit and pumping station. I hope this can help you point me in the right direction

Hi Ruffmut,

The double pumpstation looks to be made up using a pump station which normally carries a commonly used controller, but the controller you have is a different one, unknown to me.

I will pm you details of the controller that would fit inside the pumpstation, which has a datalogger bus (that can be used now with an iPhone app to give you real-time data - something to show off down at the pub...).

The problem is that you would need to know what probes have been used with your controller. Many use a PT1000 probe (which is a thermistor), but others may use a different probe. Changing the controller may involve a trip up to the roof to change the probes. Ugh.

Is it flatplates or tubes by the way? Just curious. We've found that there is no need for a two-pump system with east west if you are using tubes with a heat pipe sysem.

ruffmut

Thanks Quentin for your pm will take a look at that info.

We have tubes by the way on the roof. 20 on each side.

dathi

hi guys corect me if i am wronge but your presure relef valve coloured yellow in photo is not conected and will discharge on to the atic insulation

Technophobe

Hey Quentin

I am about to get my Solar tube system installed on my new build would be very interested in this automated data logging (esp on the iPhone) and so wondered what should I ask my Plumber in order to get it included or what info do I need to be able to do it afterwards myself?

Solar tubes make is SNIP hope this helps..

tks

Edit: Makes, models ad companies by PM only, please.

quentingargan

Technophobe wrote: »

Hey Quentin

I am about to get my Solar tube system installed on my new build would be very interested in this automated data logging (esp on the iPhone) and so wondered what should I ask my Plumber in order to get it included or what info do I need to be able to do it afterwards myself?

Solar tubes make is <SNIP> hope this helps..

tks

The iPhone App works with a specific controller. I will pm you the brand, but it has a bus which can be connected to a datalogger. I imagine that some other controllers have a datalogging bus as well, but not all of them.

Technophobe

Hey Quentin,

thanks, I will have a look at that so.

cheers

championc

Technophobe wrote: »

Hey Quentin

I am about to get my Solar tube system installed on my new build would be very interested in this automated data logging (esp on the iPhone) and so wondered what should I ask my Plumber in order to get it included or what info do I need to be able to do it afterwards myself?

Solar tubes make is <SNIP> hope this helps..

tks

<SNIP> controllers. Most installs get the <SNIP>

Edit: Make and model recommendations by PM only Please.

quentingargan

championc wrote: »

Most installs get the <SNIP> controller but the <SNIP> has an SD Card slot for recording data. <SNIP>

The <SNIP> has a datalogging function, but it doesn't hook up to the internet AFAIK. The iPhone App is based on a <SNIP> controller (which is re-badged by many suppliers) which has a vBus data port. This port can be connected into their datalogger which comes with an ethernet port for online live transmission.

Toys for boys.. It doesn't make the system work any better, but might persuade you to take your shower in the gym if there's only a cold shower on offer at home!

BrenCooney

Any idea if the <SNIP> controller can be hooked up to a data logger.
During a web search I have traced it back to a <SNIP>, but I could have followed the wrong track. Didnt get any extra info from their web site.


thanks.

Edit:
This is taken from the forum Charter, Please read the Charter in full before posting again.

Any threads naming specific companies/traders will be deleted.

Threads looking for recommendations in a certain area will be allowed but any recommendations should be given by pm only.

championc

quentingargan wrote: »

The <SNIP> has a datalogging function, but it doesn't hook up to the internet AFAIK. The iPhone App is based on a <SNIP> controller (which is re-badged by many suppliers) which has a vBus data port. This port can be connected into their datalogger which comes with an ethernet port for online live transmission.

Toys for boys.. It doesn't make the system work any better, but might persuade you to take your shower in the gym if there's only a cold shower on offer at home!

The <SNIP> internet option is on the way - <SNIP> but certainly not as simple or convenient as the <SNIP> and an iPhone App.

Edit:
Makes, Models and company names by PM only, Please read the forum Charter.

Poor Uncle Tom

Please keep all makers names, models and company names to PM only, thank you....:)