Calibration Methods for Silicon Photodiode Pyranometers used in Rotating Shadowband Radiometers

Silicon photodiode pyranometers have been studied extensively for application in solar energy resource assessment instruments. An example is the LI-COR, Inc. 200SZ detector that is used in rotating shadowband radiometers. While excellent results have been achieved LI-COR, Inc. calibration methods are not fully disclosed and LI-COR’s stated +/5% accuracy is less than desirable. This research aims to better define and improve the methodology for calibration and application of LI-COR sensors used in Irradiance, Inc. RSR2TM rotating shadowband pyranometer systems.