What Is A Solar Radiation Sensor？
A solar radiation sensor, also known as a radiometer, is a type of actinometer. It is mainly used to measure broadband solar irradiance and solar radiation flux density, which means they can measure the power of light and heat from the sun. When placed on a flat surface, a thermal radiometer can be used to identify solar radiation. The word pyranometer comes from the Greek word pyr, which means fire, and ano, which means sky.
How Does a Solar Radiation Sensor Work？
Pyranometers work by measuring the number of small units of light, known as photons that impact a physical or chemical device located within the instrument. Solar radiation sensor is typically not powered due to the fact that the components located in the device either are influenced by or react to solar radiation in a direct manner.
There are two primary types of solar radiation sensors. One is a PAR sensor that is capable of measuring photosynthetically active radiation, or PAR, within the 400 to 700 nm range. Pyranometers are comprised of a thermopile sensor that typically has a black coating. The sensor is designed to absorb solar radiation and provides a flat spectrum that covers from 0 to 1500 W/M2. Pyranometers detect both direct and diffuse radiation. The radiation that is absorbed by the sensor is converted to heat. That heat then flows through the sensor to the device’s housing. In addition, the dome helps to protect the thermopile sensor from convection. The glass dome fitted over pyranometers is also important in terms of ensuring proper directional elements and limiting the response of the device to within a range of 0 to 1500 W/M2.
Solar radiation sensor is commonly used in climatology, meteorology, building physics, and solar energy studies. They are also used in weather stations and are usually installed in a horizontal manner near solar panels. The level of possible measurement of a solar radiation sensor will vary based on the position of the sun. In ideal conditions, the sun will be located directly overhead. With that said, certain measurements may be obtained via varying angles.
Solar radiation meter features
1. Using high-precision photosensitive elements, high absorption in the full spectrum range
2. Comes with level meter and adjustment handwheel, convenient on-site adjustment
3. High transparent dust cover, good sensitivity, special surface treatment to prevent dust adsorption
4. Wide voltage power supply DC 7~30V