Solar Radiation

The average amount of downwelling global solar radiation received at the station during the last 5-minutes.

• The measurement of solar radiation does not include radiation emitted from the earth or atmosphere. However, the pyranometer will detect solar radiation which is reflected downward in the atmosphere (e.g., by molecules, clouds, etc.). Note that the sensor points upward and thus does not measure solar radiation reflected upward from the ground.
• Calibration coefficients are applied to the data in real-time during processing.
• Solar radiation measurements in the morning and evening are sensitive to obstruction (e.g., trees) on the east and west horizons. A delay of sunrise or early arrival of sunset at a particular station may be explained by examining panoramic site photos.