automated rotating shadowband
SolarSIM-E
The E stands for everything. The SolarSIM-E automated shadowband leverages Spectrafy’s SolarSIM-G to produce highly accurate measurements of global, diffuse and irradiance irradiances (spectral and broadband) and various atmospheric components from a single sensor.
The SolarSIM-E presents a compelling alternative to more expensive tracker- based solutions as the only shadow band to employ an ISO9060 Class A-type pyranometer.
| Measurands: | Global solar spectral and broadband irradiances, Diffuse solar spectral and broadband irradiances, Direct normal solar spectral and broadband irradiances, Aerosol optical depth, Precipitable water vapor. |
| Technology: | Automated rotating shadow band for the SolarSIM-G. |
| Highlights: | Full range spectra and broadband irradiance for all three irradiance components. |
The E stands for everything.
The SolarSIM-E is the most capable rotating shadow band ever developed. The SolarSIM-E leverages the unique design of the SolarSIM-G to be the only shadow band capable of full-range spectral measurement and the only shadow band that employs an ISO9060:2018 Class A-type pyranometer. It presents a compelling option for those looking to measure multiple irradiance components.
The SolarSIM-E automated shadowband leverages the unique design of the SolarSIM-G to produce highly accurate measurements of global, direct and diffuse irradiance from a single, ISO9060 Class A sensor. In addition, the ability to resolve both broadband and spectral irradiance yields unmatched insights for both research and solar resource assessment applications.
A compelling alternative to more expensive, solar tracker-based solutions and more accurate than traditional silicon-based shadowbands, the SolarSIM-E is fully automated and maintenance free.
The SolarSIM-E takes shadowband measurements to a new level of speed and accuracy. By combining the precision of an ISO9060 Class A pyranometer, the fast-response of photodiode measurements, and the insight of spectral correction, the SolarSIM-E provides an unmatched solution for quantifying the solar resource.
The SolarSIM-E can generate a remarkable array of data. Choose from:
| Global horizontal irradiance | ISO9060:2018 Class A measurements of global horizontal irradiance, covering the complete 280-4000nm solar spectral range. |
| Diffuse horizontal irradiance | With the shadowband automatically deployed, the SolarSIM-E measures diffuse irradiance. Off-axis measurements are used to further enhance the accuracy of the diffuse measurement. |
| Direct horizontal irradiance | The SolarSIM-E automatically calculates the DNI from the measured GHI and DHI. |
| Global horizontal solar spectral irradiance | Solar spectral irradiance over the complete solar spectral range of 280 – 4000nm, with 1nm resolution. |
| Diffuse horizontal solar spectral irradiance | The SolarSIM-E automatically calculates the spectral DNI from the GHI and DHI spectra. |
| Spectral correction factors for PV | Automated calculation of spectral correction factors for up to nine embedded or user-defined solar panels. |
| Aerosol optical depth | Aerosol optical depth values for each wavelength from 280-4000nm. |
| Precipitable water vapour | Total column precipitable water vapor. |
| Ultra-violet irradiance | UV-A, UV-B, UV-T, UV-E and UV index, automatically calculated from the global horizontal spectral irradiance. |
| Photosynthetically active radiation | Total irradiance within the 400-700nm wavelength range, automatically calculated from the global horizontal spectral irradiance. |
| Sunshine duration | Length of time with direct normal irradiance greater than 120 W/m2. |
| Meteorological parameters | Ambient temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric pressure. |
The SolarSIM-E comes with powerful software to process and visualize your data.
Multiple options for maximum ease.
Combox
Get your SolarSIM-E working straight out of the box with our custom power/comms converter. The Combox allows you to connect to and power a SolarSIM-E directly through a laptop or PC.
Serial over ethernet
The SolarSIM-E can be connected to a networked PC/server via a suitable SoE device. Hardware recommendations are available upon request.
General
| Compatible with | SolarSIM-G |
| Shadowband geometry | 5° FOV |
| Min. measurement interval | 20 s |
| Operating temperature range | -30 to 65 °C |
| Power supply and use | 12 VDC, 10 W (2 W stand-by) |
| Dimensions | 420 x 150 x 132 (L x W x H) |
| Weight | 3 kg |
| Communication | RS-485 ASCII, (PC, SoE) |
| Operating humidity range | 0 to 100% RH |
Measurands
| Global horizontal solar irradiance, ISO9060:2018 Class A | W/m2 |
| Diffuse horizontal solar irradiance | W/m2 |
| Direct normal solar irradiance (calc.) | W/m2 |
| Global horizontal solar spectral irradiance | (280-1200/4000nm) W/m2/nm |
| Diffuse horizontal solar spectral irradiance | (280-1200/4000nm) W/m2/nm |
| Direct normal solar spectral irradiance (calc.) | (280-1200/4000nm) W/m2/nm |
| Aerosol optical depth | |
| Total column precipitable water vapour | mm |
The go-to solution for a wide range of applications.
| Solar R&D | The SolarSIM-E enables complete understanding of all three irradiance components, both spectral and broadband, from a single sensor. |
| Meteorological networks | The SolarSIM-E represents the most cost effective, three-component measurement solution for widespread network deployment. UV and PAR measurements also. |
| UV Measurement | Obtain global, diffuse and direct measurements of UVA/B/T/E and UV Index from a single sensor. |
| Solar resource assessment | The first automated shadowband to employ an ISO9060:2018 Class A sensor, and to provide routine spectral correction. The SolarSIM-E enables practical, bankable spectrally-corrected, three-component irradiance data that minimises performance uncertainty and maximises returns. |
How does the SolarSIM-E work?
The SolarSIM-E is an automated shadowband and works in conjunction with the SolarSIM-G spectral irradiance sensor. For each measurement cycle the SolarSIM-E rotates into place to shade the SolarSIM-G, enabling a measurement of shaded, or diffuse, spectral irradiance. In addition, the SolarSIM-E makes off-axis measurements to either side of the sun disc which are used to reduce the error introduced by the use of a band, rather than a ball, to block the sun. At the end of each measurement cycle, the SolarSIM-G makes a measurement of unobstructed global spectral irradiance. Using the global and diffuse measurements, the SolarSIM-E is then able to calculate the direct spectral irradiance, from which the aerosol optical depth and atmospheric precipitable vapour are also extracted.
How accurate is the SolarSIM-E?
The SolarSIM-E leverages the spectral measurement capabilities and Class A performance of the SolarSIM-G to provide remarkably accurate measurements of diffuse and direct broadband and spectral irradiance.
Does Spectrafy sell complete measurement systems?
Yes, we can provide you with a complete turn-key system so you can hit the ground running with your SolarSIM-G measurements.
How does the process of upgrading my SolarSIM-E to add additional measurement functions work?
The SolarSIM-E can be purchased with any or all of its measurement capabilities activated. Additional measurement options can be added at any point in the future via a simple software upgrade. At the same time, users can also choose to have their historical data reprocessed, to include the new measurand(s) from inception.
Combox
The Combox is a power and comms converter that allows the user to connect to and power their SolarSIM directly through a PC or laptop.
