SMP3 Pyranometer
The SMP3 is an entry-level thermopile pyranometer from Kipp & Zonen, based on the proven CMP3 sensor, that measures solar irradiance flux density (W/m²) on a planar surface with an RS-485 Modbus digital output and an amplified analogue output. It is widely used for PV performance monitoring, routine weather-station observations and horticultural applications.
- Output
- 0 to 1 V (-V version) or 4 to 20 mA (-A version)
- Spectral range
- 300 to 2800 nm (50% points)
- Response time
- <1.5 s (63%); <12 s (95%)
Overview
In detail
How it works
Like other SMP and CMP pyranometers, the SMP3 uses a thermopile sensor, which absorbs a greater spectrum of solar radiation and has a near-perfect cosine response than silicon-sensor alternatives, giving more accurate data on incoming solar radiation.
Deployment
Though entry-level, the SMP3 is considered far superior to silicon-sensor pyranometers, providing data suitable for small-scale PV solar farm installations, routine weather-station observations and horticultural applications.
Accessories
Available accessories include the AMPBOX signal booster, a CVF4 ventilation unit to maintain sensor temperature and prevent dew, dust, frost and snow build-up, unventilated and ventilated mounting plates (single or albedometer pairs), mounting brackets, a shadow ring to block direct radiation, an adjustable tilt kit for plane-of-array studies, and cable lengths of 10, 25, 50 and 100 m.
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Specifications
Technical specifications
- Spectral range
- 300 to 2800 nm (50% points)
- Response time
- <1.5 s (63%); <12 s (95%)
- Zero offset A
- <15 W/m²
- Zero offset B
- <5 W/m²
- Directional response
- 20 W/m² (up to 80°, 1000 W/m² beam)
- Temperature dependence of sensitivity
- <3% (-20°C to +50°C)
- Output
- 0 to 1 V (-V version) or 4 to 20 mA (-A version)
- Digital output
- 2-wire RS-485 Modbus
Related
Often specified alongside
Weathertech
SP Lite2 Pyranometer
- Temp
- -40 °C to +80 °C
- Spectral range (overall)
- 400 to 1100 nm
- Sensitivity
- 60 to 100 µV/W/m²
SMP21Weathertech
SMP21 Secondary Standard Pyranometer
- Temp
- -40 °C to +80 °C
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