Comparative testing of Class A pyranometers

Hukx SR30(0) Class A pyranometer:
The best in test

Hukx is proud that its pyranometers consistently rank among the best performers in independent tests. For example, in the analysis of public datasets from calibration experiments at NLR, Hukx model SR300/SR30 consistently outperforms similar pyranometer models. The SR300/SR30 performed as well as an externally ventilated SMP22, at a fraction of the costs.

In Figure 1, the ideal response is a straight horizontal line, deviations are mainly caused by directional errors.

Pyranometers of various brands compared — **Figure 1** Estimate of the directional error of different instruments based on NLR data in May to July 2025. The almost perfectly performing SR30(0) in the lower right hand corner. Source: PV Performance Labs 2025.

More information

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Better directional response = lower uncertainty in the Performance Ratio

The superior directional response of SR30(0) is relevant to users because the uncertainty of Performance Ratios – the main performance indicator in the PV industry – strongly depends on this. A 10 W/m² error in directional response on sunny days translates to a 1 % contribution to the uncertainty budget of the PV system Performance Ratio. The largest contribution in the uncertainty budget.

Pyranometers comparison independent study — **Figure 2** *Low directional error translates in a low uncertainty of the measured PV Performance Ratio.*

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