We now recommend the 25 Watt CORE Solar System with the 5V MicroUSB output for most locations. Upgrade to the 50 Watt panel for the Pacific Northwest and high northern states.
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The PurpleAir Outdoor Air Quality Monitor is a popular device for measuring PM2.5 concentrations. In some cases, a grid connected power supply is unavailable and customers need a way to power the system from solar. We tested solar system configurations here at Voltaic to find the best one.
PurpleAir Power Requirements
The sensor consumes a consistent 0.2 Amps at 5 Volts while running. This is equal to 1 Watt and means the system will consume 24 Watt hours per day. The solar system plus battery needs to be able to provide this much power every day.
Recommended Solar System
You will need a USB to MicroUSB cable as the sensor will not accept our right angle USB. We recommend one that is about 4 feet or greater and has a PVC or TPU coating instead of woven fabric. Here’s an example.
In most locations in the US, the 20 Watt panel will produce enough power year round. We are most concerned about December when the days are shortest. Here in New York City, a fixed solar panel facing south with no shading will get the equivalent of about 2.2 hours of sunlight per day on average. After losses into the battery (it takes energy to store energy) and output (power regulation), we will likely have about 26 Watt hours per day.
If you are located in the Pacific Northwest or other locations with significantly less sun, we would suggest doubling the solar power with a second 20 Watt solar panel and mount.
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