High-accuracy short wave radiation measurements for environmental applications and photovoltaic systems Apogee offers two types of pyranometers: our original silicon-cell models and our new line of thermopile pyranometers
Apogee offers two types of pyranometers: original silicon-cell models and the new line of thermopile pyranometers. Both products are now ISO 9060:2018 Class C rated (previously known as second class).
Silicon-cell solar radiation sensor models are excellent for applications that do not require the higher accuracy and cost of a thermopile pyranometer. They are less expensive and have a faster response time, but they have higher errors under cloudy conditions.
The new cost-effective thermopile pyranometers feature a blackbody thermopile detector, which provides a much broader and more uniform spectral response for better performance in all atmospheric conditions. The thermopile pyranometers compare favorably to Class A thermopile pyranometers for only a fraction of the cost.
Applications of these products include shortwave radiation measurement in agricultural, ecological, and hydrological weather networks; measurement of global solar radiation; and optimization of photovoltaic systems. The upward- and downward-looking thermopile models can also be used to create an albedometer.
SILICON-CELL PYRANOMETERS
Detector Type
Silicon-cell
Classification
ISO 9060:2018 Class C
Spectral Range
360 to 1120 nm
Response Time
Less than 1 ms
Error Due to Clouds
+10 to 15 % (common to all silicon-cell pyranometers)
Heated Option
SP-230 All-Season pyranometer has a 0.2 W heater
Output Options
Available in multiple analog and digital outputs including unamplified, SDI-12, and Modbus communication protocols. It can also be attached to a hand-held meter with a digital readout
Detector Type
Blackbody Thermopile
Classification
ISO 9060:2018 Class C
Spectral Range
Upward-looking (SP-510): 385 to 2105 nm
Downward-looking (SP-610): 295 to 2685 nm
Response Time
0.5 seconds
Error Due to Clouds
± 2 %
Heated Option
Sensors have a 0.2 W heater
Output Options
Available in analog output and Modbus communication protocols
Upward- and Downward-looking Options
The upward-looking (SP-510) and downward-looking (SP-610) models can be mounted back-to-back to make an albedometer using the AL-120 mounting bracket