Jericho open resistive data logger: An open-source modular weather station and monitoring system for long-term solar photovoltaic outdoor experimentation

Environmental and energy production monitoring systems not only provide data acquisition (DAQ) but now supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) for both meteorological and solar photovoltaic (PV) research. DIY systems are often not robust enough for research and proprietary systems are often economically prohibitive. The Jericho Open Resistive Data Logger (RDL) platform bridges this gap between low-cost DIY devices and high-cost proprietary DAQs. It integrates a custom RDL, Arduino Nano, modular I²C expansion, and a Raspberry Pi for edge processing into a robust, open-source platform. Supporting multiple sensor protocols (analog, digital, resistive, I²C, SDI-12, and USB) and long-distance wired transmission, the system enables reproducible, research-grade data collection at less than half of the cost of proprietary stations. Statistical comparison of irradiance, relative humidity and temperature and wind speed were bench marked against a proprietary system and found to be well within acceptable differences for validation although wind speed was found to have the highest deviation. Two independent open-source units confirm excellent inter-device repeatability across all measured variables. By combining environmental and PV monitoring within a unified platform, Jericho Open RDL provides an accessible and adaptable solution for distributed renewable energy and environmental research.