When building a PV system, location is the most critical choice. Assessing the long-term solar radiation conditions in a potential PV location is essential for investors.

The first step in building a new 
PV system

Location matters. A PV system should be installed in a shade-free area with sufficient solar exposure to make the investment worthwhile. A common starting point for predicting the solar energy resources is to review yearly weather averages. However, these averages alone do not tell the full story.

To accurately assess the local solar energy resources, these averages should be combined with long-term solar radiation measurements by satellites. The field data are then used to "calibrate" the satellite data. Using this method, engineers can accurately predict their PV system performance and financial returns. 

Long-term monitoring is essential to get the complete picture. Typically, data is collected for twelve months or more to capture seasonal variations. At Hukx, we develop accurate and robust sensors to measure all the different components of solar radiation and produce bankable energy yield predictions.

Our solar radiation sensors

Hukx is a supplier of a range of different sensors for solar radiation. These sensors measure the radiative energy flux onto or through a surface in [W/m²]. We have different sensors suitable for PV monitoring. They each measure a separate component of the sun’s radiation:

• Pyranometers: Our best-sellers, designed to measure hemispherical solar radiation. This quantity is commonly measured in horizontal position (global horizontal irradiance/GHI). The sensor can also be mounted in the plane of array (POA) next to PV panels, to measure POA irradiance.
• Pyrheliometers: These sensors are used to measure direct (normal incidence) solar radiation (DNI). They are usually mounted on a sun-tracker to keep the instrument aimed at the sun.
• Diffusometer: This instrument is designed to measure diffuse radiation (DHI). When combined with a pyranometer to measure GHI, DNI can be calculated.

Our pyranometers and pyrheliometers use thermopile sensors to convert thermal energy into an electrical signal. Our diffusometer uses photodiode sensors to convert light into an electrical signal. PV system owners and investors all over the world rely on our instruments to accurately predict solar energy resources.

Sensor selection

Hukx offers a broad range of sensors, including pyranometers, pyrheliometers, and diffusometers. The ideal sensor for your application depends on several factors:

• Accuracy: Our sensors adhere to different ISO 9060 standards. Pyranometers range from Class A to Class C, and pyrheliometers are available with Class A and Class B ratings.
• Expected measuring conditions: Special environmental factors such as dew, frost, snow, and dust should be taken into account when selecting a sensor. At Hukx, we offer sensors with integrated heating to ensure accurate measurement in all conditions.
• Desired output: We offer sensors with both digital and analog output signals.

Advantages

Choosing Hukx sensors means investing in bankable solar radiation data. We offer many other advantages including:

• Proven expertise: At Hukx, we have been developing solar radiation sensors since 1993. Over the years, we have expanded our product lines and established ourselves as both a technology and market leader.
• Worldwide support: Hukx has specialists available in every major economy.
• Calibration support: We have a worldwide calibration network, reducing the need for cross-border transport.
• Compliance with standards: Our solar radiation sensors comply with industry standards such as IEC 61724 and ISO 9060.
• Traceability: All sensor calibrations are formally traceable to international standards.