SR11 Pyranometer (First Class) Applications Agrometeorology Climatology / Meteorology Industrial Light Measurement & Process Control Material Testing Research Solar Collector & PV Panel Efficiency Validation Note: Above applications are inclusive of, but not limited to the entire SR11 application range.
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The SR11 is a research grade solar radiation sensor (otherwise known as a pyranometer), intended for global and surface reflected short-wave (SW) solar irradiance studies. The SR11 is a 'First Class' compliant instrument, as per the latest ISO and WMO pyranometer standards.

The SR11 pyranometer is suitable for measuring global short-wave solar irradiance incidenting a plane surface, offering a full 180° field of view (FOV). Capable of measuring up to two suns, 2000 W/m², the SR11 is also well suited for higher intensity indoors artificial lamp measurement applications. Employing entirely passive thermopile-based sensing technology, the SR11 generates a low level DC millivolt output signal proportional to the solar short-wave flux received at the detector surface. The instrument design serves to reduce the possibility of wind related signal noise and thermal offset related error effects by employing a set (two) of precision ground and polished glass domes, resulting in improved measurement accuracy. Determining short-wave solar irradiance requires connection to either a data logger or digital voltmeter with a measurement resolution of ten micro-volts or better; simply divide the SR11 millivolt output signal by the factory supplied calibration factor to arrive at irradiance in W/m² units. Typical SR11 measurement applications include scientific meteorological observations, building physics, climate and solar collector/PV panel efficiency testing. For conventional horizontal plane mounting applications requiring accurate leveling, the SR11 is equipped standard with adjustable leveling feet and a bulls-eye bubble level; see leveling feet (7) and bubble level (11) illustration in Figure 1. The SR11 signal cable can be easily installed and replaced by the user, thus minimizing down-time and expense otherwise associated with instrument re-cabling by the manufacturer.

APPLICABLE STANDARDS
ISO 9060 and 9847, WMO (World Meteorological Organization) and ASTM E824-94. The SR11 can also be used for stability estimations according to EPA (EPA-454/R-99-005); also see LP02 ISO Second Class Pyranometer model for lower cost instrument alternative.