Photovoltaic plant operators expect clear, rapid and reliable information on the function and solar "energy yield" of their PV plants. Differing spectral sensitivity and reflective and thermal characteristics mean high-quality solar radiation sensors, usually thermoelectric, do not allow an easy comparison between the "energy yield" and that of a real PV generator. The situation is compounded by the relatively high procurement costs.
However, lower price solar radiation sensors do not meet the long-term precision requirements and their "cheap look" means their market acceptance is low, particularly in the buildings sector. The solar radiation sensor ISET Sensor solves these problems. Its physical properties are almost identical to those of an equivalent PV generator. Its simple and compact, yet precise form make it ideal for use in land and building surveying. Its design ensures it is accepted in the architectural sector in general.

Technical Features of the ISET Sensor

Incoming solar radiation is converted into a proportional amount of current by a precisely defined solar cell. A special shunt resistor with a thermal connection to the compact aluminium casing calculates the measured voltage. Reproducible measurements are guaranteed thanks to the nearly identical geometric structure of the laminated cells (as in comparable PV modules) combined with the specially designed casing. The latter can be used to harness the outside temperature but are nevertheless extremely weather-resistant. A Pt 1000 temperature sensor measures the temperature of the cells via an ultra-precise two-wire line (!).

Calibration

Each ISET sensor is calibrated in W/m² with an identical control sensor from an accredited test laboratory; calibration is recorded in a calibration certificate - a quality guarantee.