Solar light meters measure sunlight, providing a general sense of the strength and intensity of solar power in a certain area. They are small enough to fit in your pocket, making it easy to take them from site to site.

Solar irradiance meters measure electromagnetic radiation, giving you a more precise sense of how much power a solar panel will generate than solar light meters. These meters also have two options for checking how heat affects your solar panel: a built-in temperature sensor and, for higher accuracy, a temperature probe. The integrated angle indicator and compass help you find the perfect tilt and orientation for your panels. Connect these meters to your smartphone via Bluetooth to easily store and share test results.

Solar irradiance meter kits include tools to measure current and voltage, so you can check if your panels are generating the expected power. To test current, position your panel’s wiring within the jaws of the clamp meter. Or, if your wiring is hard to reach or clamp around, attach the flexible AC probe to the clamp meter and loop it around your wiring. Neither method will interrupt your circuit, making frequent measurements possible. To measure voltage, wire the clamp meter’s test leads to your solar panel or power station.