New Technologies
         for Plant Science

LI-200SZ Solar Radiation Sensor

 

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Brochure

The LI-200SZ Pyranometer is designed for field measurement of global solar radiation in agricultural, meteorological, and solar energy studies. In clear unobstructed daylight conditions, the LI-200SZ pyranometer compares favorably with first class thermopile type pyranometers (1, 2), but is priced at a fraction of the cost.

Patterned after the work of Kerr, Thurtell and Tanner (3), the LI-200SZ features a silicon photovoltaic detector mounted in a fully cosine corrected miniature head. Current output, which is directly proportional to solar radiation, is calibrated against an Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometer (PSP) under natural daylight conditions in units of watts per square meter (w m-2). Under most conditions of natural daylight, the error is < 5%.

The spectral response of the LI-200SZ does not include the entire solar spectrum, so it must be used in the same lighting conditions as those under which it was calibrated. Therefore, the LI-200SZ should only be used to measure unobstructed daylight. It should NOT be used under vegetation, artificial lights, in a greenhouse, or for reflected solar radiation.

Specifications

Calibration
Calibrated against an Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometer (PSP) under natural daylight conditions. Typical error under these conditions is ±5%

Sensitivity
Typically 90 µA per 1000 W m-2 Linearity Maximum deviation of 1% up to 3000 W m-2

Stability
< ±2% change over a 1 year period

Response Time
10 µs

Temperature Dependence
0.15% per °C maximum

Cosine Correction
Cosine corrected up to 80° angle of incidence

Azimuth
< ±1% error over 360° at 45° elevation Tilt No error induced from orientation

Operating Temperature
- 40 to 65°C

Relative Humidity
0 to 100%

Detector
High stability silicon photovoltaic detector (blue enhanced)

Sensor Housing
Weatherproof anodized aluminum case with acrylic diffuser and stainless steel hardware

Size
2.38 dia, 2.54 cm H (0.94” ´ 1.0”)

Weight
28 g (1 oz)

Cable Length
3.0 m (10 ft)