Kipp & Zonen SP Lite2 Pyranometer
| Brand | Kipp & Zonen |
|---|---|
| Origin | Netherlands |
| Model | SP Lite2 |
| Measurement Principle | Silicon Photodiode-based Solar Irradiance Detection |
| Spectral Range | 400–1100 nm |
| Sensitivity | Approx. 10 µV per W/m² |
| Output Signal | Analog Voltage (0–10 mV or 0–5 V optional) |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +80 °C |
| Response Time | < 1 s (95 %) |
| Zero Offset (Thermal) | < ±5 W/m² |
| Non-linearity | < ±1 % (0–1000 W/m²) |
| Tilt Error | < ±1 % (0–90° tilt, 1000 W/m²) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Cable Length | 5 m standard (custom lengths available) |
| Calibration Traceability | NIST-traceable calibration certificate included |
Overview
The Kipp & Zonen SP Lite2 pyranometer is a high-stability, silicon photodiode-based instrument engineered for continuous measurement of global horizontal irradiance (GHI) — the total solar radiation incident on a horizontal surface from the entire hemisphere (180° field of view). Unlike thermopile-based pyranometers, the SP Lite2 leverages a spectrally selective silicon detector with a cosine-corrected diffuser to deliver rapid response and excellent long-term stability under variable environmental conditions. Its design adheres to the ISO 9060:2018 classification for “Secondary Standard” pyranometers when used with appropriate calibration and mounting practices, making it suitable for applications where cost-effective, reliable GHI data is required without the full metrological rigor of thermopile reference instruments.
Key Features
- Optimized silicon photodiode sensor with integrated temperature compensation circuitry to minimize thermal drift across wide ambient ranges (−40 °C to +80 °C)
- Robust anodized aluminum housing and quartz dome with hydrophobic coating for enhanced soiling resistance and condensation mitigation
- IP67-rated enclosure ensuring dust-tightness and protection against immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes
- Low power consumption (< 1 mA at 12 V DC), enabling deployment in remote or solar-powered monitoring stations
- Integrated cable with shielded twisted-pair construction to reduce electromagnetic interference in industrial or grid-connected PV sites
- Factory-calibrated with NIST-traceable certificate; optional recalibration services available per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SP Lite2 is designed for outdoor, unshaded horizontal mounting on fixed or solar-tracking platforms. It complies with IEC 61724-1:2021 for photovoltaic system performance monitoring and meets the minimum requirements for Class C (‘reference cell’) instrumentation in PV yield assessment per EN 50530. While not classified as a thermopile-based primary standard, its spectral response (400–1100 nm) aligns closely with the AM1.5G solar spectrum, enabling accurate correlation with crystalline silicon PV module output. The instrument satisfies GLP-relevant documentation requirements through traceable calibration records and serial-numbered certification. It is routinely deployed in networks accredited under WMO/GAW (Global Atmosphere Watch) guidelines for regional solar resource assessment.
Software & Data Management
The SP Lite2 outputs a low-impedance analog voltage signal compatible with industry-standard data loggers (e.g., Campbell Scientific CR series, Onset HOBO, Delta-T Devices DL2e). No proprietary software is required for basic operation; however, Kipp & Zonen’s Solys 2 sun tracker and UVRAD data acquisition systems provide synchronized timestamping, automatic zero-offset correction, and automated quality control flagging (e.g., for nighttime offsets or precipitation-induced signal attenuation). Raw data streams support CSV export and integration into SCADA platforms compliant with IEC 61850 or Modbus RTU protocols. For regulatory reporting, the instrument supports audit-trail-enabled logging when paired with Part 11-compliant data acquisition firmware (e.g., Campbell Scientific LoggerNet with security extension).
Applications
- Solar resource assessment for utility-scale PV plant feasibility studies and bankable energy yield modeling
- Real-time performance ratio (PR) monitoring in operational photovoltaic power plants
- Long-term climatological GHI trend analysis in national meteorological networks
- Calibration transfer and intercomparison campaigns involving reference cells and thermopile pyranometers
- Educational laboratories requiring stable, low-maintenance irradiance sensors for atmospheric physics coursework
- Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and microgrid pilot installations with constrained power budgets
FAQ
Is the SP Lite2 suitable for use in calibration laboratories?
No — it is not intended as a transfer standard. Its silicon-based detector exhibits spectral mismatch relative to thermopiles under non-AM1.5 spectra (e.g., cloudy or high-AOD conditions); therefore, it should not replace thermopile instruments in calibration chains.
Does the SP Lite2 require periodic cleaning or maintenance?
Yes — while the hydrophobic dome reduces soiling, routine visual inspection and gentle cleaning with deionized water and lint-free cloth are recommended every 1–3 months depending on local particulate load.
Can the SP Lite2 be mounted vertically for plane-of-array (POA) irradiance measurements?
Yes, but cosine response error increases significantly beyond ±30° tilt; for POA applications, Kipp & Zonen recommends the CMP series thermopile pyranometers or the SMP series smart sensors with tilt-compensated algorithms.
What is the typical recalibration interval?
Kipp & Zonen recommends recalibration every two years for critical applications and every three years for general monitoring, aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 best practices and IEC 61724-1 guidance.
Is there a digital output option available?
Not natively — the SP Lite2 is analog-only. For digital integration, users must pair it with a calibrated analog-to-digital converter or select the SMP10 or SMP11 smart pyranometer variants.
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