El Coyol Meteorological Tower, El Salvador

Telener 360 was contracted for the installation of a weather mast for a measurement campaign of a high-quality solar resource. The site around the mast had dense vegetation and a regular terrain without elevations, which determined a Complex topography.

The mast orientation was carried out according to the position of the sun to avoid the shading of the sensors, with all directions referring to the geographic North (True North). An adjustment ( offset) to wind direction measurements to align with true North.

In addition to the complete instrumentation, an Ammonit Meteo-42A data logger was implemented to control the sensors and record the measurements. The signals from the sensors are processed as calibrated measurements (applying slope and displacement). Also Booms were installed for the weather station, pyranometers, silicon irradiance sensors and rain gauge.

In terms of communication, an omnidirectional antenna was installed at a height of 2.3 m to improve the quality of the signal obtained through the modem and the local SIM.

To ensure the self-sufficiency of the installation, a solar power generation system was integrated to feed the mast. This system had a 100 W photovoltaic panel and an 80 Ah battery.

The installation was carried out in compliance with the IEC-61724-1 Ed.1 standard and MEASNET’s recommendations for the evaluation of solar resources to carry out a measurement campaign with low uncertainties.