5
Sensor Mounting Requirements
Global Irradiance
The pyranometer is attached to the sensor assembly and is oriented to measure global irradiance. To
accurately measure this quantity the sensor must be level, orientated either TRUE SOUTH or TRUE
NORTH if you are in the northern or southern hemisphere, respectively, and objects above 10° above
the horizontal plane must not block the sensor.
Be sure to remove the protective green cap from all Pyranometers so they can measure insolation.
Plane-of-Array Irradiance (Commercial Model Only)
The plane-of array pyranometer is mounted on the side of the solar array. The sensor should be at the
same zenith and azimuth angle as solar array to correctly measure the plane-of-array irradiance.
Anemometer (Commercial Model Only)
The anemometer is directly attached to the top of the sensor assembly. For correct wind direction
operation the AE-Commercial must be oriented correctly.
By default the weather station is configured for operation in the Northern hemisphere. This requires
that the irradiance sensor faces due south. If the weather station is going to be used in the Southern
hemisphere it must be mounted with the irradiance sensor facing north. In addition, the hemisphere
jumper inside the AE-Commercial must be changed from Northern to Southern.
