Pyranometer

This Technical Report gives recommended practice for the use of field pyranometers in solar energy applications (e.g. testing of solar collectors or other devices, and monitoring of solar systems). It is applicable for both indoor and outdoor use of pyranometers, when measuring global and reflected solar radiation, or radiation from a solar simulator. The measurements may be carried out on either a horizontal or an inclined surface, and the pyranometer may be combined with a sun-shading device to measure diffuse radiation.

Specifies two preferred methods: the outdoor calibration (with the pyranometer in a horizontal position, in a tilted position, or at normal incidence) and the indoor calibration (using an integrating sphere with shaded or unshaded lamp, or at normal incidence). Applicable to most types of field pyranometers regardless of the type of radiation receptor employed.

Its use is mandatory for the calibration of secondary standard pyranometers according to ISO 9060, and is recommended for the calibration of pyranometers which are used as reference instruments in comparisons. Is intended for use by test institutions or test laboratories equipped with well-maintained pyrheliometers and is applicable to all pyranometers. The object is to promote the uniform application of reliable methods to calibrate pyranometers, since accurate calibration factors are the basis of accurate hemispherical solar radiation data which are needed for solar energy test applications or simulations.