Data From a New, Low-Cost Thermopile Pyranometer Compare Well with High-End Pyranometers

Solar radiation is commonly measured using silicon-cell pyranometers. Though these sensors are prone to error, particularly during partly cloudy and overcast conditions, their low price and ease-of-use have made them the sensor of choice for many applications. Here we present data from intercomparison trials including a new, low-cost thermopile pyranometer (CS320) along with silicon-cell pyranometers and ISO secondary standard, first class, and second class sensors. Data from the CS320 compare favorably with the high end pyranometers, offering a strong improvement in measurements while being priced similarly to silicon-cell pyranometers.