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.