Specifications

TEAM Climate Monitoring Protocol 3.0

Install the charge regulator: Before mounting the solar panel to the tower, install the power

regulator (Morningstar Sun Keeper 6) to the back of the solar panel. This ensures that the current

coming from the panel is regulated and the current from the battery does not drain to the panel.

WHEN INSTALLING THE REGULATOR MAKE SURE THE PANEL IS COVERED

OR FACING DOWN TO AVOID EXPERIENCING ELECTRIC SHOCK. Follow the

instructions that come with the power regulator for details on the cabling and proper mounting of

the regulator.

Direction and height: If the climate station is in the southern hemisphere, the solar panel

should be facing north; for stations in the northern hemisphere the solar panel should be facing

south. The panel can be installed at any height; 1.6-2.0 m makes it easier for maintenance and

cleaning. The panel does not come with a mount for the tower so a single arm side mount should

be purchased locally for this purpose (see Appendix A.1). The panel can also be installed in a

pole by itself or close to the ground as long as the facing direction and angle guidelines are

strictly followed (see below).

Angle: To maximize the capture of direct solar radiation, angle the solar panel with respect to

the ground using the guidelines in Table 4 (only values relevant to tropical locations shown).

Table 4. Suggested tilt angle to maximize incident solar radiation year round (modified from Landau 2001).

Use a clinometer to ensure the correct tilt angle. For example, it the station is located 15 degrees

north of the equator, the solar panel should be facing south and angled at 20 degrees from the

horizontal.

Connections: Route the cable coming from the solar panel through the regulator along the tower

securing it with plastic ties and into the enclosure. An 8 Amp fuse needs to be installed in the

positive cable at less than 50 cm from the connection to the battery. Connect the cables into

positive and negative terminals of the battery (watch the polarity ; + with +, ! with !). Two

separate cables then go from each of the battery terminals to the data logger. You might consider

using a splitter and connect the cables coming from the solar panel into the splitter instead.

5.5 Installing the sensors

There are two main steps involved in the installation of the sensors: first, the sensor should be

adequately positioned on a mounting bracket and attached to the tower, and then the cable from

the sensor should be connected to the data logger. Below, we describe the main steps to mount

each sensor. Refer to the documentation enclosed with each sensor for more detailed

instructions.

Latitude (degrees)

(N or S)

Angle (degrees)

0-10

11-20

Latitude + 5

21-23.4

Latitude + 10