Institute for Earth Science Research and Education* December, 2006

New Pyranometer Kit

A newly designed kit is available from the Institute for Earth Science Research and Education for building a simple solar cell-based pyranometer (an instrument for measuring solar energy reaching Earth's surface). This instrument is similar in principle to much more expensive commercial solar cell-based pyranometers. It is intended for data collection with a U12-006 or U12-013 (shown below) 12-bit data logger from Onset Computer Corporation. Other 12-bit data loggers (but not 8- or 10-bit loggers) can be used, but the 2.5mm stereo plug will probably not work as an input connector to such devices.

A completed instrument needs to be calibrated to give quantitatively accurate results. Ideally, this calibration should be done against a commercial pyranometer (this service is available from IESRE), but an approximate calibration can be obtained by using a computer model of solar irradiance under clear skies, available online. Construction is simple and requires only two solder connections. It is a suitable project for secondary and middle school students, with appropriate supervision. A detailed construction guide and supporting documentation are available online.

The price for the kit (not including the data logger) is $20, including shipping in the U.S.
Assembled instruments calibrated against an Apogee Instruments PYR-P pyranometer are available for $75, including shipping in the U.S.
Check, cash, or money order only. (Sorry, no credit cards.)

Send orders to:
David Brooks
Institute for Earth Science Research and Education
2686 Overhill Drive
Eagleville, Pennsylvania 19403
USA

For more information, e-mail David Brooks. You can find construction details here and an order form for this and other atmosphere monitoring instruments here.