The next evolution of SolarSIM

With the SolarSIM-G, Spectrafy’s engineers have taken the SolarSIM technology to the next level and built a product that enables accurate and affordable measurement of the complete, global solar spectrum and total global irradiance.

For applications where measurement of the global solar spectrum is a must, the SolarSIM-G sets a new standard for accuracy, affordability and ease of use.

Much like it’s sister, the D2, the SolarSIM-G uses low-cost silicon photodiodes and bandpass interference filters to make precise measurements of the solar spectrum in several narrow wavelength bands. While the D2 is configured to measure the direct solar spectrum, Spectrafy’s engineers have optimised the SolarSIM-G’s hardware and software to measure and resolve the complete global solar spectrum and total global irradiance.

Applications for the SolarSIM-G include solar resource assessment, PV panel development, certification and O&M, agricultural monitoring, UV index measurement, material testing and even multi- and hyper-spectral imaging.

The SolarSIM-G can be used in horizontal or tilted applications, thereby making it applicable to all flat-plate solar technologies and installations.

Purchase and lease options are available.

The Data

The new standard in global irradiance data.

The SolarSIM-G is a versatile device that can provide the function of a pyranometer and multiple spectroradiometers, all in one. As a result the SolarSIM-G can provide an unparalleled quantity and quality of data – over 4,000 data points per time stamp! Your SolarSIM-G can be configured to deliver any or all of the following:

Global Horizontal (or tilted) Irradiance (GHI/GTI)
The SolarSIM-G provides an accurate measurement of global irradiance (horizontal or tilted), under any sky conditions, over the complete 280-4000nm spectral range. The SolarSIM-G can also be configured to provide GHI/GTI over any custom spectral range – great for quantifying useable fractions for PV, PAR values or UV doses.

Global Spectral Irradiance
The SolarSIM-G is capable of resolving the global solar spectral irradiance (horizontal or tilted), under any sky conditions, over the complete spectral range of 280 – 4000nm, with 1nm resolution. If you don’t need full-range, no problem. The SolarSIM-G can also be configured for just the 280-1200nm range.

The SolarSIM-G also provides accurate measurements of the ambient temperature, pressure and humidity.

Connectivity

By PC, data logger or over the internet – we’ve got you covered

The SolarSIM offers unparalleled connectivity options, suitable for any use case scenario.

Out-of-the-box
With the SolarSIM Combox, users can get their SolarSIM-D2 operating straight out of the box via a direct connection to your PC or laptop.

Serial over Internet
The SolarSIM-D2 can be connected to a networked PC/server via a suitable serial-over-ethernet device.

Datalogger
The SolarSIM-D2 can be connected to RS485 capable dataloggers, via a free RS485 port. Spectrafy can provide the commands required for the data logger to request data from the SolarSIM-D2.

Accessories

But wait, there’s more….

The Combox
The Combox is a RS-485-to-USB converter that allows the user to connect their SolarSIM directly to a PC or laptop.

The Mounting Plate
We offer a standard, anodized aluminum mounting plate, suitable for mounting the SolarSIM-D2 to most commercially available solar trackers. We can also customise your mounting plate on request.

Performance Upgrades
The SolarSIM-D2 offers ultimate flexibility. It can be purchased with any one or more of its measurement capabilities activated, and additional capabilities can be added at any time in the future via a simple software update. You could purchase a SolarSIM-D2 solely for DNI measurement today and rest assured that you can add solar spectral, aerosol, ozone and water vapour capabilities at any point in the future – with no additional hardware required.

Downloads

For your reading pleasure…

SolarSIM-G Specification Sheet
All the technical details about what the SolarSIM-G is and does.

SolarSIM-G User Manual
All you need to know about setting up, operating and maintaining the SolarSIM-G.

Performance Data: 7th International Spectral and Broadband Intercomparisons
Performance data measured at the 7th International Spectral and Broadband Intercomparisons, held in Catania, Italy in June 2017.

Performance Data: NREL
Broadband and spectral GHI performance validation versus NREL’s reference pyranometers and spectroradiometers, Sept-Oct 2017.