Solar panels are an essential component of the renewable energy field. The solar panels here are 2V 120mA cells that are paired with an INA226 current sensor. The goal of this kit is to allow users to test the power output from the solar panel using the current sensor and a microcontroller. Any microcontroller can be used to interface with the INA226, which gives panel voltage, current, and output power. This combination can help engineers identify the approximate predicted output from their solar panel or solar panel array to approximate efficiency of their energy harvesting, irradiance in a specific geographic region, or characterize internet of things setup requirements.

Included in the Solar Panel Power Metering Kit:

• 1x 200mW Solar Panel (@ 1.6V) [Wire Colors May Vary]

• 1x INA226 Current Sensor

• 1x Terminal Block

• 1x 8-Pin Solder Header

Features of the Solar Panel:

• 54mm x 54mm Dimensions

• 200mW Peak Power Output

• 2.1V Open-Circuit Voltage

• 123mA Short Circuit Current

• 1.6V Max Power Voltage

• 120mA Max Power Current

• Epoxy Finish (Waterproof Cells, not Electronics)

• Soldered Breakout Wires

Features of the INA226 Current Sensor:

• Senses Bus Voltages From 0V to 36V

• 2.7-V to 5.5-V Input Power Supply Range

• I2C Communication (Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pico-Compatible)

• High-Side or Low-Side Sensing

• 16-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter

• Current, Voltage, and Power Outputs

• Low-Power Operation (330μA Quiescent Current)

• INA226 Datasheet

NOTE: The terminal block overlaps slightly with the shunt resistor on the INA226, however, it does not affect the functionality of the sensor.