What sensor for solar radiation?

When it comes to measuring solar radiation, there are several types of sensors available, each designed to measure different aspects of solar energy. 

There are several types of sensors that can be used to measure solar radiation, including:

1. Radiometers (Pyranometers): Pyranometer are used to measure the total amount of solar radiation received on a horizontal plane, including both direct and diffuse radiation. 

Pyranometers the most widely used sensors for measuring solar irradiance. Pyranometers are designed to measure the solar radiation energy reaching a surface. They typically measure the DC component of the total radiation and are sensitive to both direct and diffuse radiation.

Pyranometer sensors are typically used in a wide range of applications such as solar panel performance evaluation, meteorological studies, and solar resource assessment.

2. Pyrheliometer: Pyrheliometers are used to measures the direct normal irradiance, or the amount of solar radiation received from the sun when it is at its highest point in the sky. These sensors are used to measure the direct solar radiation. They are often more accurate and precise than pyranometers, especially for scientific research and solar energy applications.

3. Spectroradiometer: Spectroradiometers are used to measure the spectral distribution of solar radiation, i.e. the intensity of radiation at different wavelengths. These sensors are important for the study of the spectral properties of solar radiation and for certain applications that require radiation data in a specific wavelength range.

4. Albedometer: Albedometers are used to measure the amount of solar radiation reflected from a surface and are commonly used in studies of surface reflectance properties, climate change and surface energy balance.

Each sensor has its own specific application scenario and measurement metrics, and the selection of the right sensor depends on the specific research or application needs.

When selecting a sensor, it's important to consider the specific requirements of your application, such as the range of wavelengths you need to measure, the level of precision and accuracy required, and the environmental conditions under which the sensor will operate. Additionally, calibration and maintenance are crucial factors to ensure the reliability of the measurements taken by these sensors.

Pyranometer Solar Radiation Sensors data sheet

NBL-W-HPRS-Solar-Radiation-Sensor-Instruction-Manual-V3.0.pdf

NBL-W-SRS-Solar-radiation-sensor-instruction-manual-V4.0.pdf