This is a solar pyranometer sensor designed for agriculture, meteorological and environmental monitoring applications. It can be used to measure the solar irradiance alongside solar photovoltaic panels.

It is a fully sealed (IP68) with reasonable accuracy data (5% accuracy) via an RS485 MODBUS-RTU output.

Solar Irradiance is measured using a silicon photodiode detector and converted to an output of 0-2000 W/m². This unit measures in the spectral range of 400-1100nm, which is the typical response of a solar photovoltaic (PV) module.

You will need to wire this up to your microcontroller along with a suitable RS485 to TTL/Serial converter (not supplied, but you can use our RS485 Interface board).

Manufacturer code: PYR20-A-A-C-002

Specifications:

• Measurement parameters:     Solar Irradiance sensor (400-1100nm)
• Unit of measurement:             W/m² 
• Irradiance Range:                     0-2000 W/m²
• Working Range:                       -40 to 80 °C
• Output Signal:                         RS485
• Protocol:                                 Modbus-RTU protocol, device default address: 01
• Supply voltage:                       3.9 to 30V DC
• Supply power:                         0.4W (when powered with 12V DC)
• Accuracy:                                5%
• Step Size:                                1 W/m²

Physical parameters:

• Probe size:                              75 x 55 x 58mm
  
• Sealing materials:                   ABS Engineering Plastics, epoxy resin, waterproof grade
• IP rating:                                  IP68
• Cable specifications:               2 m

More Information:

A github repository containing instructions, manufacturer data, wiring diagram and example Arduino code is available here:

https://github.com/curiouselectric/PYR20SolarPyranometer

A blog post showing set up and operation of the sensor is available here:

https://www.re-innovation.co.uk/docs/pyr20-pyranometer-with-rs485-testing/

Warning: Not suitable for under 12 years old.