Define the resource assessment scope
Set the technology, location, period, and required uncertainty.
Solar & Sensing · APPLICATION GUIDE
Solar Resource Assessment
Interpret resource data by distinguishing direct and diffuse components and long-term variability.
Review selection pointsDiscuss this applicationFIELD APPLICATION & FLOW
See the application in its industrial setting.
Follow light, sensor measurements and data connections.
APPLICATION IN CONTEXT
- Sun-tracked DNI
- Shaded horizontal DHI
- Unshaded horizontal GHI
- Observation and quality checks
- Link to long-term resource data
Connections to review
- 01 → 04 Measurement data
- 02 → 04 Measurement data
- 03 → 04 Measurement data
- 04 → 05 Measurement data
DNI is sun-pointing, DHI is shaded horizontal and GHI is unshaded horizontal. A short campaign does not guarantee long-term generation.
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
Solar resource · Direct, diffuse, and global
LightMeasurement / control
Scroll horizontally to see the complete flow.
The configuration measures DNI as direct sunlight from the sun direction, DHI as diffuse irradiance on a horizontal plane with direct sunlight shaded, and GHI as global horizontal irradiance.
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.
Observe each component
Review measurement methods for direct, diffuse, and global irradiance, together with tracking and shading configurations.
Connect to long-term data
Analyze observation quality, long-term representativeness, and differences from satellite and model data.
02 — SELECTION
What should be selected and verified?
DNI is direct irradiance on a plane perpendicular to the direction of the sun; DHI is diffuse irradiance on a horizontal plane with the direct component blocked. Site observations and satellite or model data differ in coverage and error structure, so combine them according to the purpose.
Scroll horizontally to review all columns.
| Measurement objective | Item to review | Selection evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Direct irradiance | DNI measurement | Solar tracking, collimation, field of view, and calibration |
| Diffuse irradiance | DHI measurement | Shading device, alignment, and review of shading corrections |
| Component consistency | Compare GHI, DNI, and DHI | Time alignment, solar zenith angle, and quality conditions |
| Long-term resource | Observations + long-term records | Year-to-year variability, spatial representativeness, missing data, and uncertainty |
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 whether the measurement period is representative
Observations over a short period alone cannot guarantee a long-term average or future energy generation.
Manage tracking and shading
Direct and diffuse measurements are affected by device alignment and maintenance condition.
Distinguish uncertainty for each data source
Record differences among satellite grids, site sensors, and model corrections together.
04 — QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Does adding DNI and DHI give GHI?
Use the relationship GHI = DNI × cos(solar zenith angle) + DHI. Check that the values were measured at the same time and under the same conditions.
Does satellite data remove the need for site sensors?
Decide based on the project purpose and uncertainty requirements. Site observations play a distinct role in checking site conditions and operating performance.
05 — APPLICATION REVIEW
Prepare the conditions for a technical discussion.
These details help narrow the configuration and the evidence to review.
- Site location and applicable technology
- Assessment period and availability of long-term data
- Required components: GHI/DNI/DHI
- Field of view, power supply, and maintenance conditions
- Required uncertainty and purpose of the data
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
SOLYS2
A sun-tracking platform for mounted solar-radiation instruments. The photograph shows an instrumented example; confirm radiometers, shading accessories and supply scope separately.
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.