ABSTRACT
Considerable planning and forethought should go into the design and layout of a solar monitoring station. Initial considerations should identify project goals and data accuracy requirements for the project. Once the basic parameters for the solar monitoring station are established, it becomes easier to select between various design options. The optimum site specications and location, instrument selection, data acquisition system functions, and the operation and maintenance requirements for the measurement equipment all directly affect the quality of the data that will be produced. Budget constraints and continuity of funding for station operation and maintenance are also important. Specically, high-performance (expensive) instrumentation should not be considered if the project resources are insufcient to support the maintenance and calibration schedule recommended by the sensor manufacturer and to purchase auxiliary supporting equipment necessary to obtain the accuracy specied. A well-chosen, designed, and constructed solar monitoring station will enhance the quality of collected data and help minimize the time and effort necessary to service the station and validate the data. Three factors usually dictate the location of a solar monitoring station: (1) a clear eld of view (adequate solar access); (2) proximity to a site operator who will maintain the station; and (3) most importantly, the requirements of the station sponsor who will rely on the data.
