Eco-station: Hong Kong Observatory Director Lam Chiu-ying (second left) and guests open the new solar radiation station at the Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course.

A solar radiation station has opened at the Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course equipped with instruments for measuring solar radiation, air temperature, humidity and rainfall.

Hong Kong Observatory Director Lam Chiu-ying said the Sai Kung site is well exposed and therefore suitable for the long-term measurement of global, direct and diffuse solar radiation.

"As the existing solar radiation station in the urban area is increasingly affected by nearby buildings there was a need for the Observatory to look for a new site. The new station at Kau Sai Chau was selected after several rounds of investigations. As the site is located in rural area and is well exposed it is very suitable for the long-term measurement of solar radiation," Mr Lam said, adding the data obtained will help the study of weather and climate, plus architectural and engineering design.

It operates on solar power to save energy and employs wireless communication technology for real-time transmission of data to the Observatory.