Measuring Global Solar Irradiance

CMP 11 pyranometer monitors the performance of PV Panels

CMP 11 pyranometer monitors the performance of PV Panels at CSTB, France

Solar, atmospheric and terrestrial radiation drives almost every dynamic process on the Earth’s surface and above, from ocean current circulation to weather, climate and life itself. However, it is only recently that it has become widely used as an energy source for the production of electrical power. But what is solar radiation? How is it measured? What is a pyranometer and how does it work?

Kipp & Zonen of Delft, the Netherlands, has been manufacturing pyranometers for over 80 years. In this blog Business Manager Clive Lee answers these questions and introduces a revolutionary new generation of instruments – the Smart Pyranometer.

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