EKO Instruments · Solar radiation
Pyranometers from EKO Instruments
Distributor for EKO Instruments in SwedenA pyranometer measures the solar radiation falling on a surface, both what comes directly from the sun and what is scattered from the sky. EKO Instruments makes pyranometers in all three classes of ISO 9060:2018, from the Class A MS-80SH with heated dome to the compact silicon ML-01.
The models
The S models have built-in electronics with Modbus and an analogue output. The SH models are heated and have Modbus and SDI-12, but no analogue output.
Class A, heated
MS-80SH
A digital pyranometer with heating built into the dome.
- Modbus RTU and SDI-12.
- Response time below 0.5 s.
Class A
MS-80S
A digital and analogue pyranometer with built-in diagnostics.
- Modbus RTU, 4–20 mA or 0–1 V.
- Response time below 0.5 s.
Class A, analogue
MS-80
A passive pyranometer that needs no power.
- Millivolt signal, about 10 µV per W/m².
Class B
MS-60S
A digital pyranometer for weather stations and solar parks.
- Modbus RTU, 4–20 mA or 0–1 V.
- Response time below 18 s.
Class C
MS-40S
A digital pyranometer for less demanding accuracy requirements.
- Modbus RTU, 4–20 mA or 0–1 V.
Silicon sensor
ML-01
A compact photodiode pyranometer that responds in under a millisecond.
- Class C, sensitive to 400–1100 nm.
The MS-60 and MS-40 are also available as analogue models with a millivolt signal.
Compare the models
The digital models at a glance.
| MS-80SH | MS-80S | MS-60S | MS-40S | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class under ISO 9060:2018 | A | A | B | C |
| Response time (95%) | Below 0.5 s | Below 0.5 s | Below 18 s | Below 18 s |
| Outputs | Modbus RTU and SDI-12 | Modbus RTU, 4–20 mA or 0–1 V | Modbus RTU, 4–20 mA or 0–1 V | Modbus RTU, 4–20 mA or 0–1 V |
| Heating | Built into the dome | Optional: MV-01 | Optional: MV-01 | Optional: MV-01 |
| Built-in diagnostics | Humidity, temperature and tilt | Humidity, temperature and tilt | Humidity, temperature and tilt | Humidity, temperature and tilt |
| Power | 8–30 V | 5–30 V | 5–30 V | 5–30 V |
| Recommended recalibration | Every five years | Every five years | Every two years | Every two years |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Operating temperature | −40 to +80 °C | −40 to +80 °C | −40 to +80 °C | −40 to +80 °C |
Swipe sideways to see the whole table. Simplified figures. Full specifications and manuals are available from EKO Instruments ↗.
Which class do you need?
ISO 9060:2018 divides pyranometers into Class A, B and C, with A the highest. The MS-80 series pyranometers also meet the standard’s additional criteria for fast response and spectrally flat sensitivity.
For Class A solar park monitoring under IEC 61724-1, EKO specifies the MS-80SH pyranometer. For weather stations and simpler monitoring Class B or C is often enough.
The MS-80SH has its heating built into the dome. For the other MS models there is the MV-01 ventilation and heating unit, which keeps the sensor free from dew, ice and snow.
- Class AMS-80SH, MS-80S and MS-80.
- Class BMS-60S and MS-60.
- Class CMS-40S, MS-40 and ML-01.
Albedo and accessories
Albedo is the share of solar radiation that the ground reflects. It is measured with two pyranometers, one facing up and one facing down.
Albedo, Class A
MS-80SH Albedometer
Two MS-80SH mounted back to back, with a glare screen.
- For solar parks with bifacial modules.
- Modbus RTU and SDI-12.
Albedo, Class B and C
Albedometers with MS-60S or MS-40S
The same mounting with Class B or C pyranometers.
- Also available with analogue pyranometers.
Ventilation and heating
MV-01
A unit that ventilates and heats the pyranometer, keeping it free from dew, ice and snow.
- 12 V, 2–9 W.
- Tachometer output for monitoring the fan.
What we do
Choice and quote
We help you choose class, output and set-up and send you a quote.
Wiring
The sensors are connected to a Campbell Scientific data logger or directly to your system.
Installation
Mounting, levelling and alignment on site, and a check that the data arrives.
Service and calibration
Cleaning and checks under a service agreement, and help when the sensors are due for recalibration.
Frequently asked questions about the pyranometers
Which class should we choose?
Class A for reference measurements, research and demanding solar park monitoring. Class B or C for weather stations and simpler monitoring. We help you choose.
Do the pyranometers have SDI-12?
The MS-80SH has both Modbus RTU and SDI-12. The MS-80S, MS-60S and MS-40S have Modbus RTU and an analogue output. All of them can be connected to a Campbell Scientific data logger.
How often should a pyranometer be calibrated?
EKO recommends recalibration every five years for the MS-80 series and every two years for the MS-60S, MS-40S and ML-01. EKO’s calibration laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.
Does the pyranometer need heating?
At our latitudes it is an advantage. Dew, frost and snow on the dome give readings that are too low, and heating or ventilation keeps the dome clear.
Can radiation be measured in the plane of the solar panels?
Yes. The pyranometer is then mounted at the same tilt as the panels, on a mount that EKO makes for the purpose.
More from EKO Instruments
Would you like a quote for pyranometers?
Tell us what the measurement will be used for, and we will suggest class, output and mounting.