Solar Radiation Pyranometer Simulator
Build a Solar Radiation Logger: Arduino Pyranometer Simulator Kit with Dual BH1750 Sensors
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Transform a pair of precision BH1750 light sensors into a field-ready solar radiation logger that approximates W/m² with RTC-timestamped data — ideal for validating solar panel placement, microclimate studies, and hackathon demos. This kit takes you from lux readings to daily solar curves stored on an SD card, teaching calibration, sensor fusion, and low-power logging in a single build.
What You'll Build
A battery-operated instrument that reads ambient light using two independent BH1750 modules, applies a calibration algorithm to convert lux to an irradiance approximation, and logs the result every 5 minutes to a CSV file on an 8GB SD card. The DS3231 RTC stamps each entry with date and time, building a full daily radiation profile. A 0.96-inch OLED shows real-time W/m² and system status. By the end of a clear day, your data will trace a classic solar curve, ready for analysis in Excel or Python.
What You'll Learn
- Dual-sensor data fusion to improve radiation approximation and reduce noise
- Interfacing three I2C devices (BH1750, DS3231, OLED) on a single bus without conflicts
- Structured time-series logging to an SD card with FAT32 file management
- Field calibration techniques and power‑efficient code for extended outdoor runs
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| BH1750 Lux Sensor | 2 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| MicroSD Card 8GB | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| 100nF Caps | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| M-M Wires | 25 |
| 9V Battery Snap | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Built for B.Tech ECE and EEE students finalizing renewable energy capstone projects, Smart India Hackathon teams tackling sustainable energy themes, and researchers at IIT, NIT, VIT, or BITS designing low-cost environmental monitors. If you need an unattended logger that can capture a full daily radiation curve with minimal power, this kit gives you the hardware and firmware foundation to deploy and iterate quickly.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR on your kit box to launch the AI companion that has step-by-step guidance for this exact logger. You can also reach us on WhatsApp for personalised help within 24 hours.
How accurate is the lux-to-W/m² conversion?
The dual-sensor method with proper calibration can achieve ±15% accuracy under clear sky conditions, making it excellent for daily curve analysis and comparative studies. It is not a certified pyranometer, but it reliably captures relative irradiance trends needed for solar feasibility.
Can I deploy this logger outdoors for a week?
Yes — with a USB power bank and a weatherproof enclosure (not included), the code includes sleep modes to conserve energy. Assembly instructions show how to route cables and protect sensors for short-term field logging.
Does the kit include calibration data or a reference?
No two sensors are identical, so you’ll perform your own calibration using a clear‑sky model or a secondary reference. We provide a detailed calibration guide and sample Arduino code to generate your coefficients.
BH1750 lux converted to W/m2 approximation. Logs radiation data every 5 min to SD with RTC for daily solar curve.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Uno R3
- BH1750 Lux Sensor x2
- DS3231 RTC
- MicroSD Module
- MicroSD Card 8GB
- 0.96in OLED
- 4.7kΩ Resistors x5
- 100nF Caps x10
- PCB Prototype Board x2
- M-M Wires x25
- 9V Battery Snap
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items