Overview
The Digital Pyranometer is a precision solar radiation measurement instrument that measures global horizontal irradiance (GHI) in W/sq.m by absorbing all incoming solar radiation (direct + diffuse) onto a black thermopile detector covered by a glass dome. The detector output is proportional to the incident radiation and is displayed digitally with data logging capability. Students use the pyranometer to measure daily solar radiation profiles, calculate peak sun hours, determine optimal tilt angles for solar panels, and validate solar energy potential calculations. The instrument is essential for solar energy resource assessment, solar collector performance testing, and building energy simulation studies.
Specifications
| Measurement | global horizontal irradiance (GHI) |
| Range | 0 to 2000 W/sq. m |
| Detector | thermopile, black-coated |
| Dome | borosilicate glass, double dome |
| Spectral range | 285 to 3000 nm |
| Output | 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 1 mV/W/sq. m |
| Accuracy | Class C (ISO 9060) or better |
| Power supply | 12 to 24V DC or solar powered |