SolarSIM-GPV

Thermopile pyranometers do a good job of measuring broadband irradiance, but are spectrally blind and are unable to quantify spectral effects. Failing to account for spectral effects introduces spectral uncertainty into PV performance models and operating metrics. Spectral uncertainty can be as high as 5% on an annual basis, or up to 40% on an instantaneous basis. The SolarSIM-GPV allows users to accurately quantify and eliminate spectral uncertainty leading to improved performance prediction and analysis. The SolarSIM-GPV is the only Class A pyranometer that provides the capability to accurately quantify broadband irradiance and spectral effects within a single sensor.

The SolarSIM-GPV is a software augmented multi-filter radiometer. It uses filtered photodiodes to make precise, multi-spectral measurements of the solar spectrum in several narrow wavelength bands. These measurements then inform the SolarSIM-GPV’s software to accurately resolve the complete global solar spectrum and total global irradiance (GHIGTI), under all sky conditions. The SolarSIM-GPV's software uses the spectral irradiance data to automatically calculate PV spectral correction factors for up to nine user-defined solar panels. The GHI/GTI and spectral correction factors are then output to the user and can be easily implemented within industry-standard PV modelling software.

Spectral correction factors (SCFs) quantify the changes in PV panel performance due to the difference between the sun’s spectrum in real-life and the reference spectrum that all solar panels are rated under. The spectral impact on PV performance can reach 5% on an annual basis and up to 40% on an instantaneous basis.

Yes, the SolarSIM-GPV is fully compliant with ISO9060:2018 Class A instrument performance criteria. In addition, ISO9060:2018 specifies sub-classifications of
'spectrally flat' and 'fast response'. The SolarSIM-GPV is spectrally flat for sunlight and a 'fast response' version of the SolarSIM-GPV is also available.
The SolarSIM-GPV is the only Class A pyranometer that is able to accurately resolve both broadband irradiance and PV spectral correction factors.

PV is an inherently spectral technology. The sun is a spectral, and spectrally variable fuel source. Solar panels are spectrally selective absorbers. Failing to quantify spectral effects leads to spectral error, or uncertainty, in PV performance models and operating metrics. This spectral error can vary from as high as 5% on annual basis to over 40% on an instantaneous basis. The SolarSIM-GPV allows the user to accurately quantify and eliminate spectral uncertainty, allowing for improved performance prediction and analysis.

Yes, we can provide you with a complete turn-key met station for your PV plant or solar resource assessment campaign.

The SolarSIM-GPV combines with the iSG Integrated Spectrum Generator to output global irradiance and PV spectral correction factors via RS-485 modbus, directly to your datalogger, with no need for additional processing hardware or software. For more detail see our Application note: SolarSIM-GPV+iSG Datalogger Intergration.

All SolarSIM-GPV production units undergo electrical, thermal and optical calibration. The optical calibration is performed on-sun against our reference SolarSIM-G sensors The reference sensors are calibrated for absolute irradiance at NREL in Golden Colorado and are traceable to NIST Spectral Irradiance Standard Model FEL lamps.

We recommend recalibration every two years in order to ensure the highest measurement accuracy. Recalibration is performed on-sun, at Spectrafy HQ in Ottawa, Canada. Please contact us prior to shipping your unit in order to ensure the swiftest calibration process possible.

The SolarSIM-GPV, in conjunction with the iSG Integrated Spectrum Generator, can communicate with any datalogger that supports RS-485 modbus . As such, SCADA integration is quite similar to other digital pyranometers. At each timestamp, the SolarSIM-GPV outputs a value for global irradiance along with PV spectral correction factors for up to nine factory-standard, or user-defined solar panels. Multiplying the global irradiance by a spectral correction factor, gives the spectrally corrected global irradiance for that panel, which can then be used in PV performance metrics as usual.

At each timestamp, the SolarSIM-GPV outputs a value for global irradiance along with PV spectral correction factors for up to nine factory-standard, or user-defined solar panels. Multiplying the global irradiance by a spectral correction factor gives the spectrally corrected global irradiance for that panel. Spectrally corrected irradiance can then be used in PV performance models and metrics as normal. Note that any other spectral correction algorithms in our PV performance model/software should be disabled.