Pyrheliometers are used for scientific research and for placing solar panels. Solar irradiance is a measure of the flux of solar radiation, or the solar energy per unit time, per unit area.

What are the uses of the pyrheliometer?

A pyrheliometer is a device that measures solar irradiance coming directly from the sun. The SI units of irradiance are watts per square metre (W/m²).

Where is pyranometer used?

In the solar energy industry pyranometers are used to monitor the performance of photovoltaic (PV) power plants. By comparing the actual power output from the PV power plant to the expected output based on a pyranometer reading the efficiency of the PV power plant can be determined.