Define the purpose
Decide whether the purpose is resource assessment, performance monitoring, or comparison of energy generation.
Solar & Sensing · APPLICATION GUIDE
Irradiance Measurement
Measure the solar resource on a horizontal surface separately from the light incident on the module plane.
Review selection pointsDiscuss this applicationFIELD APPLICATION & FLOW
See the application in its industrial setting.
Follow light, sensor measurements and data connections.
APPLICATION IN CONTEXT
- 1 Consistently oriented array · 2 Horizontal GHI with open sky exposure
- 3 POA at the same tilt/azimuth as the modules, on a side bracket outside active cells
- 4 Field data collection · 5 Generation/SCADA comparison
- An illustrative installed context, not an actual installation photograph or verified angle/shading drawing.
- PV array
- Horizontal GHI
- Module-plane POA
- Field data logging
- Compare with generation
Connections to review
- 02 → 04 Measurement data
- 03 → 04 Measurement data
- 04 → 05 Measurement data
GHI remains horizontal; POA follows the module orientation. A tracker-mounted POA sensor rotates with the array.
A conceptual illustration created to explain equipment and application locations. It is not an actual product photograph, installation photograph or piping/wiring design.
Connection principles and operating/test methods
GHI and POA · Different measurement planes
LightMeasurement / control
Scroll horizontally to see the complete flow.
Yellow lines show incoming light; blue dashed lines show measurement signals. Align the POA sensor with module tilt and azimuth or tracking motion.
These conceptual views explain flow direction. Actual piping, wiring and physical flow rates require a separate design.
01 — PROCESS
Where and what will be measured?
Define the intended use and conditions to identify the required role of each item.
Select the sensor and location
Review the measurement plane, shading, field of view, and the performance characteristics of the pyranometer.
Installation and quality management
Check level, tilt, and azimuth, and plan calibration, cleaning, and data checks.
02 — SELECTION
What should be selected and verified?
GHI is global horizontal irradiance; POA is the irradiance incident on a plane aligned with the modules. Even at the same power plant, the measurement purposes differ, so distinguish the sensor mounting angles and the way the data are interpreted.
Scroll horizontally to review all columns.
| Measurement objective | Item to review | Selection evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal solar resource | GHI | Horizontal installation, view of the sky, and shading from the surroundings |
| Module input | POA | Match the module tilt and azimuth; account for the rotation relationship in tracking systems |
| Sensor performance | Measurement principle and uncertainty | Directional response, temperature response, zero offset, and response time |
| Recording integration | Data logger and SCADA | Match output, power supply, sampling, timestamps, and units |
Review sensor suitability against the objective, installation environment, calibration evidence, system configuration and supplier specifications.
03 — OPERATING CHECKS
Use measurement data to identify improvements.
Distinguish the sensor class from the system class
The classification of a pyranometer alone does not establish that the entire power plant monitoring system meets a particular class.
Record shading and soiling
Check seasonal shading from masts, cables, and trees, as well as soiling and condensation on the dome.
Check readings before and after cleaning
Maintenance records must be linked to changes in the data to support interpretation of long-term performance.
04 — QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Can GHI be used directly to assess module performance?
GHI differs from the irradiance input on a tilted plane, so a transposition model or POA measurement is needed. Check that the uncertainty and input values are appropriate for the purpose.
What is the difference between W/m² and kWh/m²?
The former expresses instantaneous radiant energy flux per unit area, or irradiance; the latter expresses energy per unit area accumulated over a specified time, or irradiation. When integrating the data, check the time intervals and any missing data.
05 — APPLICATION REVIEW
Prepare the conditions for a technical discussion.
These details help narrow the configuration and the evidence to review.
- Measurement purpose and GHI/POA
- Fixed or tracking system, tilt, and azimuth
- Site location, shading, and climate
- Required uncertainty and applicable standards
- Output, power supply, and existing data logger
MANUFACTURER PRODUCTS
Explore product applications and their official sources.
Confirm model suitability and supply scope through a technical review. Use each card to make an enquiry or review official manufacturer information.
KIPP & ZONEN
SMP12
Class A pyranometer for digital solar irradiance measurement.
Enquire about this productOfficial manufacturer product information ↗
KIPP & ZONEN
CMP10x
Class A pyranometer with analog output.
Enquire about this productOfficial manufacturer product information ↗Product photographs and manufacturer images use permitted official materials and source links. Original explanatory schematics are identified separately from actual product photographs.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Related technical reading
- Compare pyranometers and pyrheliometers (Korean article) ↗
Use this technical note when comparing instruments for GHI, POA and DNI measurement.