Rotating shadow band pyranometer irradiance monitoring for photovoltaic generation estimation

An instrument has been developed to simplify and ruggedize the accurate field measurements of global horizontal, direct normal, and horizontal diffuse solar irradiance. The rotating shadowband pyranometer performs the functions of a pyranometer, a pyrheliometer, and a sun-tracker at a lower cost and without precision set-up and frequent realignment. These instruments are being used to monitor irradiance for electric utility applications.<>