SP Lite2 Silicon Pyranometer FOR COST EFFECTIVE MEASUREMENT OF GLOBAL RADIATION Compact and lightweight Designed for use under all weather conditions Used around the world in meteorology, hydrology and agriculture Ideal for solar energy applications Introduction The effects of solar radiation are far reaching and it drives the dynamic processes on the Earth’s surface and in the atmosphere. The total (global) irradiance on a plane surface is measured by a pyranometer. Kipp & Zonen has been manufacturing pyranometers for over 75 years and we produce models at all price and performance points, up to the very best available. However, some applications require a small and relatively low cost sensor with a fast response time, whilst retaining Kipp & Zonen quality. Therefore we developed the SP Lite2 Silicon Pyranometer. SP Lite2 can be used under all weather conditions and is designed for a long operating life with simple maintenance. The sensor receives solar energy from the entire hemisphere in its view and produces a small voltage output that can be converted into the irradiance in Watts per square meter (W/m²). SP Lite2 is installed around the world for meteorology, hydrology, agriculture and building automation; where reliable measurement at relatively low cost is required, and the performance of a broadband thermopile pyranometer is not needed. SP Lite2 is particularly suited to monitoring the efciency of photovoltaic solar energy systems, where the spectral response is similar to that of PV cells. Solar radiation is also a key input to decision making on activities such as product quality control, determination of optimum location and predicting the system output under various sky conditions.

SP Lite2 is a simple pyranometer for routine measurements of solar radiation. It has a conical diffuser that provides excellent directional (cosine) response, causes rain to run off and is easy to clean. Although the spectral range is limited by the photo-diode detector, the performance of the SP Lite2 compares favorably to ISO 9060 Second Class thermopile pyranometers under clear and unobstructed natural daylight conditions. The mounting ange incorporates a bubble level and adjustment screws, for easy leveling. A threaded hole takes the accessory screw-in mounting rod for tting to masts and...