Pyranometer

Pyranometer
A pyranometer is a meteorological instrument used to measure in a very precise manner solar radiation over the surface of the earth.

It is a sensor designed to measure the density of the solar radiation flow (kilowatts per square meter) in a field of 180 degrees.

Generally three radiation measures are used: totally semi-spherical, diffused and direct. For diffuse and semi-spherical radiation measurements, direct radiation is suppressed using a parasol disc.

The physical principle generally used for measuring is a thermopile sensor that absorbs solar radiation coming through two semi-spherical glass domes. The measurements are expressed in kW/m2.