PV panels have a wide field of view and must be positioned to receive the maximum amount of solar radiation throughout the year. For cost/benefit reasons panels are often installed at a fixed angle, instead of following the sun’s movement in the sky.
In this case a second pyranometer should be installed at the ideal angle for that location, to measure the ‘tilted global irradiance’ with the same view as a fixed panel.
A pair of horizontal and tilted pyranometers
A pair of horizontal and tilted pyranometers are often used at several locations to provide year-round data on the solar energy resource. This enables the optimal locations for solar energy plants to be selected.
A similar setup is frequently used at generating sites with fixed angle panels, for reference measurements of the available energy.
Pyranometer domes stay much cleaner than flat PV panels and can monitor drop-off in efficiency and the need for cleaning the panels.
It is recommended to use instruments that meet, or exceed, the requirements of ISO 9060 for Secondary Standard pyranometers. If well maintained, these are capable of overall uncertainties in the solar irradiance measurement of around 2%.
The only maintenance is to clean the domes and to periodically check and replace the desiccant that keeps the instruments dry internally. Recalibration is recommended every two years to maintain accuracy.
The data collected from this tilted pyranometer is invaluable. It not only aids in the assessment of a solar panel’s actual performance but also provides insights into how efficiently it is harnessing solar energy. This level of precision is critical for optimizing the system’s design and performance over time
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