Im considering installing a small - Maybe 1Kw set of panels into a location but I would like to get an idea of what their actual performance would be like before I do the installation. Its a strange location with some over hanging trees and some shading by neighbours fromntine to time but it could help provide some redundancy. Understanding of it could produce enough or whether a mains powered UPS is required would help before I pick and buy a solution.
Im wondering what is a cheap way to test out what Im actually going to be able to capture?
I was thinking of putting a small panel in place for a year and seeing how it performs. But I realised I might need a controller amd logger as well as and something to dunp the energy captured.
What would be the simplest / cheapest way to do this?
My alternative is to have a small UPS plugging in to the mains supply. Im not looking to riun a house off solar but a few devices, routers and other bits. Because im not sure what kind of Watt Hours I would get and what performance would be like I am hesitant to ‘invest’.
I am happy to accept that ‘actual results may differ’ but an idea of potential would be useful. I was thinking a small 30watt panel with a usb logger plugged into a usb fan or cup warmer or something as a test.