A pyranometer measures solar irradiance over a hemisphere, in watts per square metre. Thermopile pyranometers are classified by ISO 9060 (Class A, B and C); IEC 61724-1 sets which classes a solar plant's monitoring system must use. Pyranometers are mounted horizontally for GHI and in the module plane for POA, and need regular cleaning and recalibration.
Where it is used
- GHI and POA measurement
- Solar weather monitoring stations