#White Papers
The 5 Most Common Mistakes in Pyranometer Use and Suggestions for Correct Application
Avoid Critical Pyranometer Mistakes for Accurate Solar Monitoring
Even the best pyranometers can give misleading results if they’re not installed or maintained correctly. Shading from nearby objects, mounting them at the wrong tilt or direction, or skipping regular cleaning can cause big errors in measurements like GHI and POA irradiance. These mistakes can throw off performance ratio calculations and hide issues like soiling or equipment faults, leading to unexpected financial losses. A pyranometer should always have an unobstructed view of the sky, be leveled properly, and match the tilt and azimuth of the PV panels when measuring POA. Regular cleaning is a must to keep readings accurate. Careful placement away from heat sources and, for tracker systems, syncing the sensor’s movement with the panels are also important. By avoiding these common mistakes, solar plant operators can ensure reliable data that reflects their system’s real performance, helping them catch problems early and protect their investment.
