Irradiance sensors and pyranometers are used to measure the amount of irradiance that reaches a PV panel’s surface. This information is then used to calculate the expected energy output of the PV panel system. Irradiance sensor prices can range from 300 to 600 euros, while pyranometer prices can range from 800 to 1500 euros. These price differences mainly depend on the measurement technology, accuracy class, and application requirements.
What Is the Difference Between Irradiance Sensors and Pyranometers?
In the simplest terms, both sensors can be described in the same way; a device that measures the irradiance. However, usually, in the market, pyranometers refer to thermopile pyranometers with a glass dome and irradiance sensor refers to calibrated reference cell.
What is a Pyranometer?
A thermopile pyranometer consists of several thermocouple junctions connected in series, which detect the amount of heat generated by the absorption of radiation. This heat is converted into an electrical signal that is proportional to the intensity of the radiation. Depending on the optical design, thermopile pyranometers can be manufactured with different structures such as black body or white diffusers. SEVEN developed its Class A Pyranometer using white diffuser technology to reduce thermal offsets, improve measurement stability, and enhance angular response. Thermopile pyranometers are used in other fields than solar energy, such as meteorology, agriculture, and environmental science.
What is an Irradiance Sensor?
A reference cell irradiance sensor is made of a monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cell, which is activated by light and produces an electric current that is converted to millivolts (mV) due to the shunt resistor mounted on its back side. SEVEN Irradiance Sensor includes an electronic card designed to provide temperature-compensated irradiance data in W/m². The calibrated cell irradiance sensor is mounted on the Plan of Array (POA) to measure the POA irradiance value.
What is the difference between the Pyranometer and Irradiance Sensor?
Both Irradiance sensor and pyranometer are used to measure the amount of irradiance that reaches a PV panel’s surface, which is then used to calculate the expected energy output of the PV panel system. There are some differences between the two devices as summarized in the following table.
| Irradiance Sensor | Thermopile Pyranometer | |
| Production Technology | Photovoltaic technology | Thermopile technology |
| Measuring Mechanism | A photovoltaic cell that converts the energy in the incident light into a small electrical current. | A thermopile that generates electricity when it is heated by the sun’s radiation |
| Class Options | Class A, Class B | Class A, Class B, Class C |
| Standard | IEC 61724-1 | ISO 9060:2018 |
| Output Options | Modbus RTU, 4-20 mA, 0-1,5 V, 0-10 V | Modbus RTU |
| Measuring Range* | 0 – 1600 W/m² | 0 – 4000 W/m² |
| Price* | 300-600 EUR | 800-1500 EUR |
* For Class A Modbus Models
The main difference between Irradiance Sensor and Pyranometer is that the irradiance sensor is used to measure the Plan of Array irradiance (POA) and is made of a calibrated cell to be suitable for PV panels, while the thermopile pyranometer is designed and manufactured by using different technology and generally used to measure the Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) for meteorological purposes. To check more details about the technical difference between these two models, you can check our previously written article.
Factors that Affect the Prices of Irradiance Sensors and Pyranometers
The cost of manufacturing irradiance sensors and pyranometers greatly affects their price. This includes:
- The cost of raw materials
- Labor
- Other associated costs
Actually, thermopile technology is more expensive than PV technology, even if both devices are used for the same purpose.
The Price of Irradiance Sensor and Pyranometer
Over the years, SEVEN has worked on the prices of irradiance sensors and pyranometers to be competitive in the PV market. The prices of these devices have become more affordable, making them accessible to more customers. As a reference, the price of a pyranometer is as follows:
- Thermopile Pyranometer Price: 800-1500 EUR/Ea
- Reference Cell Irradiance Sensor Price: 300-600 EUR/Ea
While the price of a class A thermopile pyranometer is around 1500 EUR, the prices of a Class A POA irradiance sensor vary between 300 EUR and 600 EUR as per the output of the sensor and the number of connectable external sensors for the Modbus models. In addition, SEVEN has recently developed a Low-Cost Irradiance Sensor for Residential Projects which costs less than 200 EUR. In addition, SEVEN doesn’t hesitate to apply a discount on project as per the ordered quantity.
The mentioned prices can be subject to modification either positively or negatively due to the fluctuation of component prices in the market. However, SEVEN tries always to keep its prices as affordable as possible to satisfy the budget of its clients.
Irradiance Sensor and Pyranometer Models
SEVEN produces different models of Irradiance Sensors to satisfy the need of the PV Market. It provides many different options for Class A Irradiance Sensors. The main classification can be done based on the type of communication output, such as:
- Modbus RTU
- 4-20 mA
- 0-1,5 V
- 0-10 V
SEVEN can offer you the requested model. As mentioned previously, there are many models of Irradiance Sensor with Modbus RTU Output depending on the number of connectable external sensors. The main reason for the several options SEVEN provides for this model is to offer the best price to the client with no unnecessary extra features. Other than the standard Irradiance Sensor, SEVEN produces a special model for dual and quad-orientation plants as well.
On another hand, SEVEN offers a Class A Pyranometer as it is the most required class in the market. SEVEN recalibrate the pyranometers in its factory in Türkiye by using a Class AAA Sun Simulator. When recalibration is required, you can get in touch with the sales team to explain to you the procedure to follow
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are pyranometers more expensive than irradiance sensors?
Pyranometers are more expensive because they use thermopile technology, which provides higher measurement accuracy and a wider spectral response compared to irradiance sensors based on photovoltaic cells. In addition, high-quality pyranometers are classified according to ISO 9060 standards and are designed for Class A performance monitoring, which increases manufacturing complexity and cost.
Are low-cost irradiance sensors reliable for PV monitoring?
Low-cost irradiance sensors can be reliable for basic PV monitoring applications, especially in small-scale or residential systems. However, their performance depends on calibration quality, temperature compensation, and proper installation. For high-accuracy performance analysis or IEC 61724-1 Class A monitoring, higher-grade irradiance sensors are recommended.
For a more detailed evaluation, you can also check our article:
Low-Cost Irradiance Sensor: A Game Changer for Residential Projects
Which is more accurate: pyranometer or irradiance sensor?
Both thermopile pyranometers and irradiance sensors can provide high-accuracy measurements and meet IEC 61724-1 Class A monitoring requirements when properly selected, installed, and calibrated.
Thermopile pyranometers offer a wider spectral response and stable measurement characteristics, while irradiance sensors based on reference cells are optimized for PV applications and provide reliable POA measurements.
The choice between the two technologies depends on the application, measurement approach, and system design.
What is the price of Thermopile Pyranometer?
The price of a Thermopile Pyranometer typically ranges between 825-1500 EUR depending on the model, and measurement class. For detailed pricing and configuration options, you can contact the SEVEN Sales Team.
What is the price of Irradiance Sensor?
The price of an Irradiance Sensor typically ranges between 200-530 EUR depending on the communication output, sensor configuration, and monitoring requirements. For detailed pricing and suitable model selection, you can contact the SEVEN Sales Team.
What is the price of Low-Cost Irradiance Sensor?
The price of a Low-Cost Irradiance Sensor typically ranges between 190-250 EUR depending on the project scope and quantity. For detailed pricing and project-specific solutions, you can contact the SEVEN Sales Team.
