Low-cost, open-hardware shadow band system for diffuse irradiance measurements

Abstract In this work, we present the design, implementation, and test of a low-cost, open-hardware shadow band system that enables pyranometer to measure global diffuse irradiance. This was implemented in Lima, Peru, experimentally tested by contrasting it with commercial reference consisting two pyranometers, one blocked ring. The developed automatically opens closes irradiance consecutively, respectively, without requiring regular, manual adjustments ring position as system. Thus, potentially saves costs on equipment characterize de components. Initial measurements Lima indicate 100% at least 23% under cloudy clear sky conditions, respectively.