Kipp & Zonen

Whether you are specifying equipment for a utility-scale solar farm, upgrading a weather station or investigating an underperforming array, Kipp & Zonen helps turn changing sky conditions into dependable, usable data. Select instruments for global horizontal irradiance (GHI), plane-of-array irradiance (POA), direct normal irradiance (DNI), diffuse irradiance and reflected radiation measurements, with options suited to site assessment, operational monitoring and research-grade measurement.

Solar monitoring data only adds value when it is relevant to the measurement objective and dependable in real operating conditions. Kipp & Zonen pyranometers are widely used to measure broadband solar irradiance on horizontal or tilted surfaces, making them a practical choice for resource assessment, PV performance ratio calculations and plane-of-array comparison. For direct-beam measurement, pyrheliometers can be integrated with solar trackers to support DNI monitoring and concentrator solar applications.

For bifacial PV projects, albedo measurement is an important part of understanding rear-side energy potential. Kipp & Zonen albedometers support the measurement of reflected irradiance from the ground or surrounding surface, helping engineers assess site conditions and validate assumptions used in yield models. UV radiometers and sunshine duration instruments extend the capability of a monitoring station where broader environmental or research data is required.

When choosing a solar radiation sensor, consider the measurement parameter, required accuracy, installation orientation, calibration requirements and how the signal will connect to the site data logger or SCADA system. A sensor suited to long-term PV monitoring should be selected and installed with the same care as other critical plant instrumentation. Mounting position, shading, levelling, cleanliness and scheduled maintenance all affect the quality of the data collected.