Pyranometer
Recommended for College and High School. Interface and software sold separately.
The Pyranometer measures the power of electromagnetic radiation in watts per square meter. It is sensitive to near infrared, visible, and UV radiation, where 90% of solar energy is concentrated.
Description
The Pyranometer measures the power of electromagnetic radiation. It is sensitive to near infrared, visible, and UV radiation, where 90% of solar energy is concentrated. It reads in watts per square meter, so it is great for experiments with solar cells and calculating their efficiency.
It is weatherproof and has a dome-shape top to allow it to handle a wide range of sun angles. It comes with a 6 meter cord.
Specifications
- Irradiance Range: 0 to 1100 watts/m2 (in full sun)
- Absolute Accuracy: ±5%
- Repeatability: ±1%
- Long-Term Drift: Less than 3% per year
-
Cosine Response:
- 45° zenith angle: 1%
- 75° zenith angle: ±5%
- Wavelength range: 370 nm to 1140 nm
- Current draw: 300 µA
- Output signal: 0 to 4.4 V (dark to full sunlight)
- Resolution (LabQuest 2, LabQuest, LabQuest Mini, Go!Link, LabPro): 0.3 Watts/m2
-
Sensor dimentions:
- Diameter: 2.4 cm
- Height: 2.75 cm
- Materials: Anodized aluminum with case acrylic lens
Related Sensors for Solar Cell Experiments
Small Solar Cells
The Pyranometer is great for use with current and voltage probes in solar energy studies with small solar cells (with dimensions of a few centimeters on a side).
| Sensor | |
|---|---|
| Current Probe | Max current: 0.6 A |
| Differential Voltage Probe | Max voltage: 6 V |
| Voltage Probe | Max voltage: 10 V |
Large Solar Panels
The Pyranometer is great for use with current and voltage probes in solar energy studies with large solar panels (with dimensions greater than 30 cm).
| Sensor | |
|---|---|
| High Current Sensor | Max current: 10 A |
| 30-Volt Voltage Probe | Max voltage: 30 V |
What’s Included
- Vernier Pyranometer
- Pyranometer lens cover
- User manual
Sensor Requirements
The Pyranometer requires a compatible interface and software to collect data. Interface and software sold separately. Getting started with probeware »
Compatible Interfaces
The Pyranometer is compatible with these interfaces:
Software Requirements
The Pyranometer requires data-collection software:
- For computers, Logger Pro 3.8.6 or newer is required. Download the free update »
- For LabQuest, LabQuest App 1.7 or newer is required. Download the free update »
- For LabQuest 2, LabQuest App 2.1 or newer is required. Download the free update »
Ordering Information
Related Products
Educational use only: Vernier products are designed for educational use. They are not appropriate for industrial, medical, or commercial applications. Product usage disclaimer »









