# HSC Science Extension Solar Monitoring system

**URL:** <https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hsc-science-extension-solar-monitoring-system/10085>\
**Category:** Raspberry Pi\
**Created:** [6 May 2021 08:50 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hsc-science-extension-solar-monitoring-system/10085 "2021-05-06T08:50:06Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Felix162328](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a9a28c/32.png) [@Felix162328](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Felix162328)\
**Post date:** [6 May 2021 08:50 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hsc-science-extension-solar-monitoring-system/10085/1 "2021-05-06T08:50:06Z")

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As part of my HSC topic science extension I have need to complete a major research project. For my project I am determining the effectiveness and efficiency of various cooling systems on solar cells. I will be creating an active water-cooling system and a passive gel based heat disruption system. In order to collect the required data I need to develop a system based on a raspberry pi to collect and monitor the temperature and watts produced by the three panels. I have some prior experience in coding and the use of similar systems to the raspberry pi, however due to my needs requiring a range of electrical components I want to make sure I am purchasing appropriate equipment that is compatible with the Pi and preferably python.

So far I am looking at the Gravity i2c digital wattmeter for my watt measurements and the gravity SHT31-F Digital Temp and humidity sensor.

Will these components be compatible with the Pi or are there more compatible components out there?

Additionally are there any recommendations on how I should wire these components together or are there any additional components that are required for the system to function?

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**Author:** ![James](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/james/32/4400_2.png) [@James](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/James)\
**Post date:** [7 May 2021 00:11 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/hsc-science-extension-solar-monitoring-system/10085/2 "2021-05-07T00:11:52Z")

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Hey Felix,

Cool project! We can certainly try and help you on this one, choosing i2c sensors as you’ve done is generally a good idea for an easy time, I’ve done some digging as to compatibility, and found some info:

- [Adafruit have a guide on how to use their SHT31-F board with Python via their Blinka system](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sht31-d-temperature-and-humidity-sensor-breakout/python-circuitpython) (nothing from DFRobot on the pi specifically, though)
- [DFRobot have a library and guide for the Pi a good ways down the Wiki Page](https://wiki.dfrobot.com/Gravity%3A%20I2C%20Digital%20Wattmeter%20SKU%3A%20SEN0291#More_Documents)

You’d have to make sure however that your solar panels are completely loaded up, using a power resistor or a bank of them, depending on how big your panel is.

Hope this gives you some more avenues to look into, and I’m keen to see how your project goes!  
-James