Radiation received from the sun is the lifeblood of the Earth. Its energy impacts so much on the planet, including weather, climate, agriculture, and numerous environmental processes, from the ocean currents to photosynthesis. Quantifying the amount of solar radiation in a location is crucial for producing data that can help enhance solar power systems, anticipate weather patterns, and better agricultural practices. Pyranometer sensors are designed to provide these measurements, capturing the level of solar irradiance on a planar surface. We’re going to discuss pyranometer sensors in more detail below.

Understanding Pyranometer Sensors

A pyranometer sensor is used to learn about the full amount of solar radiation experienced on a surface. It’s able to deliver this data by quantifying solar irradiance, the level of solar energy that occurs on a surface area at a certain time, through a planar surface by changing the solar radiation into a measurable electrical signal. This technology can assess solar radiation flux density with its 180° field of view angle, offering measurements of the radiation on a wavelength range that falls between 300 – 2800 nm. Pyranometer sensors can be used to quantify the following types of radiation:

• Near-infrared
• Ultraviolet
• Visible light.

Variations of Pyranometer Sensors

There are a variety of pyranometer sensors that can be used for measuring solar radiation. Here are some examples of these tools:

Thermopile Pyranometers

Thermopile pyranometers utilize a glass dome and a thermopile sensor, a component made up of thermocouples that identify alterations in temperature between two surfaces. This tool has an active surface that’s blackened so it can take in solar radiation. There’s also a reference surface, which can be a different thermopile or the casing and body of the pyranometer. Thermopile pyranometers are able to measure solar irradiance through forming a voltage that’s proportional to the differences in temperature amid the reference and active surfaces.

Photovoltaic Cell Pyranometers

Designed to be utilized for photovoltaic applications, photovoltaic cell pyranometers can imitate the spectral response from photovoltaic panels. This means they’re extremely helpful for enhancing solar power systems. They incorporate a small photovoltaic cell that produces electrons when it’s exposed to sunlight thanks to the photovoltaic effect. From there, the cell will generate an electric current that corresponds to the amount of solar radiation it experiences. With the help of a small resistor, the current is changed into a voltage signal. An output is then received in W/m² or millivolts once internal processing is complete.

Silicon Photodiode Pyranometers

Silicon photodiode pyranometers can quantify solar radiation through a silicon photodiode. This is a semiconductor device that produces an electrical current if it’s in contact with light. By applying a photodiode, the incident solar radiation can be changed into an electrical signal relative to the radiation’s intensity. Once the signal has been created, internal circuitry can change it into a measurement.

Selecting a Pyranometer Sensor

Each of these pyranometer sensors have their own individual strengths when being used. For a pyranometer sensor that provides high levels of accuracy and an extensive spectral range, one that offers the majority of the solar spectrum, thermopile pyranometers would be a suitable choice. These types of pyranometer sensors are also less likely to be impacted by temperature alterations and deliver a stable response over extended periods of time, especially in comparison with silicon photodiode sensors.

Ultimately, thermopile pyranometers tend to be the standard for applications in solar energy and meteorology, and can be utilized as calibration references. However, they can be more expensive than silicon photodiode and photovoltaic cell pyranometers. Silicon photodiode and photovoltaic cell pyranometers are also more accessible due to their overall costs and have faster response times than thermopile pyranometers. This speed can help them to catch quick alterations that may occur with solar irradiance.

The Uses of Pyranometer Sensors

With the ability to quantify solar irradiance, pyranometer sensors have become extremely useful tools in a variety of areas. Pyranometer sensors can be applied to:

• Agriculture: Enhancing planting times to increase yields and surveying light conditions that may impact photosynthesis and crop growth.
• Weather Forecasting: Providing data in relation to solar irradiance that’s needed in weather forecasting models.
• Solar Energy: Confirming which sites could contain solar installations.
• Building Designs: Ensuring buildings have an energy-efficient design through evaluating their solar exposure.

Make Your Measurements Count With Pyranometer Sensors

Pyranometer sensors are the tools to use for ascertaining information about the solar radiation of a specific location. Consider the variations of pyranometer sensors carefully. Depending on the sensor chosen, your selected pyranometer sensor may suit certain applications more than others. Thermopile pyranometers are for those who require an increased spectral range and levels of accuracy. On the other hand, photovoltaic cell pyranometers and silicon photodiode pyranometers may be better for those searching for a less expensive option with quick response times.

You can rely on Dexter Research Center to help you find a product for detecting solar radiation. It’s time to apply our equipment, such as our thermopile detectors, to your research to build up your data surrounding solar radiation and use it to its fullest potential.