First Class Pyrheliometer

This is a research grade normal incidence direct solar irradiance sensor (also known as a pyrheliometer). Suitable for tracker mounted operation is intended for short-wave direct solar irradiance measurement of the sun. This is a First Class compliant pyrheliometer, as per the latest ISO and WMO standards.

The foreoptic assembly features a precision ground and polished quartz window/lens, for true spectral solar transmission ranging from 0.2 - 4.0 m. As per the latest ISO-9060 and WMO standards, the full opening view angle is collimated precisely to 5.0° degrees, making the sensor ideally suited for normal incidence direct solar irradiance measurement. Capable of measuring up to two suns, 2000 W/m2, the pyrheliometer can be deployed anywhere on earth. The instrument employs a passive thermopile-based sensing technology that generates a low level DC millivolt output signal proportional to the normal incident direct solar flux received at the detector surface. Also features a thermally isolated low power window/lens heater in the foreoptic; when cycled on/off prior to sunrise the heater effectively eliminates the formation of dew on the pyrheliometer window/lens, thus resulting in improved post sunrise early morning measurement accuracy. Determining direct solar irradiance requires connection to a data acquisition device with a measurement resolution of ten micro-volts or better, and an autonomous two-axis solar tracker platform. Typical measurement applications include scientific meteorological/climate observations, material testing research, solar collector/PV panel efficiency and solar renewable resource assessment. The signal cable can be easily replaced by the user onsite, thus minimizing down-time and expense otherwise associated with instrument re-cabling and/or cable connector replacement by the manufacturer.