Identify the device under evaluation
Confirm the module technology, performance assessment method, and required irradiance input.
Solar & Sensing · APPLICATION GUIDE
PV Reference Devices
Understand the differences between solar cell response and broadband irradiance measurement, and select a device that suits the purpose.
Review selection pointsDiscuss this applicationFIELD APPLICATION & FLOW
See the application in its industrial setting.
Follow light, sensor measurements and data connections.
APPLICATION IN CONTEXT
- Modules under assessment
- In-plane reference cell
- Back-of-module temperature
- Signal and correction records
- Response and calibration review
Connections to review
- 02 → 04 Measurement data
- 03 → 04 Measurement data
- 04 → 05 Measurement data
PV reference response differs from broadband radiometry. External back-of-module temperature and internal reference-cell temperature correction are distinct.
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
From sunlight to a PV reference signal
LightMeasurement / control
Scroll horizontally to see the complete flow.
Measurement concept using the electrical response of a reference cell. Its response differs from a broadband pyranometer, so compare spectral, angle-of-incidence, and temperature characteristics.
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.
Review response and calibration
Compare spectral mismatch, temperature correction, and calibration conditions.
Installation and comparative measurement
Manage alignment with the module plane and cleaning, and analyze differences from the reference device.
02 — SELECTION
What should be selected and verified?
Reference cells use the photoresponse of a solar cell. Their spectral, temperature, and incidence-angle responses differ from those of thermopile pyranometers, so select a device based on the module technology being evaluated and the measurement purpose, rather than price alone.
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| Measurement objective | Item to review | Selection evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Effective PV input | Reference cell or module | Spectral response and incidence-angle characteristics in relation to the device under evaluation |
| Broadband irradiance | Compare the purpose with that of a pyranometer | Measured physical quantity and correction method |
| Temperature effects | Cell temperature and compensation | Temperature coefficient, sensor location, and correction equation |
| Long-term consistency | Calibration and soiling management | Calibration traceability, glass condition, and drift |
Review sensor suitability against the objective, installation environment, calibration evidence, system configuration and supplier specifications.
03 — OPERATING CHECKS
Use measurement data to identify improvements.
Check differences between technologies
Do not assume that a crystalline silicon reference cell represents all PV technologies equally well.
Check output units
Check the difference between the raw signal and the corrected W/m² output, and confirm the calibration coefficient applied.
Examine the causes of differences between measurements
Review spectral, temperature, angle, soiling, installation, and calibration differences separately.
04 — QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Is a reference cell always more accurate than a pyranometer?
It depends on the physical quantity being measured and the application conditions. Assess the total uncertainty and how closely the device matches the module response.
Can a reference cell be installed horizontally?
Horizontal installation is appropriate for some measurement purposes, but measuring the input on the module plane requires alignment with that plane.
05 — APPLICATION REVIEW
Prepare the conditions for a technical discussion.
These details help narrow the configuration and the evidence to review.
- Target module technology and measurement purpose
- Installation angle and temperature range
- Output and correction method
- Calibration requirements and existing irradiance data
- Data logger/SCADA interface
MANUFACTURER PRODUCTS
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Confirm model suitability and supply scope through a technical review. Use each card to make an enquiry or review official manufacturer information.
KIPP & ZONEN
RDE300i
An in-situ PV module measurement system for I–V curves, performance and soiling assessment.
Enquire about this productOfficial manufacturer product information ↗KIPP & ZONEN
RC22
A PV reference cell for irradiance measurement in monofacial and bifacial systems.
Enquire about this productOfficial manufacturer product information ↗
KIPP & ZONEN
RC22M · connected wind and temperature configuration
Example configuration connecting an RC22M reference cell with wind-speed, ambient-temperature RTD and module-temperature RTD sensors. Peripheral sensors and cables are optional; confirm the supplied configuration.
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.