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U.S. Department of Energy
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Improved accuracy for low-cost solar irradiance sensors

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/661542· OSTI ID:661542

Accurate measurements of broadband (full spectrum) solar irradiance are fundamental to the successful implementation of solar power systems, both photovoltaic and solar thermal. Historically, acceptable measurement accuracy has been achieved using expensive thermopile-based pyranometers and pyrheliometers. The measurement limitations and sensitivities of these expensive radiometers are a topic that has been addressed elsewhere. This paper demonstrates how to achieve acceptable accuracy ({+-}3) in irradiance measurements using photodiodes or photovoltaic cells as sensors, and in addition to low-cost, have several operational advantages.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
661542
Report Number(s):
SAND--97-3175C; CONF-980735--; ON: DE98002961; BR: EB2202000
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English