The new SP230 heated pyranometer, manufactured by Apogee Instruments, can make solar radiation measurements during the most severe weather. This pyranometer includes an internal heater, an elevated base, and a domed-shaped head that prevent snow, frost, and dew from accumulating on the sensor. Its small heater draws just 15 mA of current, allowing the SP230 to be powered by a small solar panel and battery—even on days with a short duration of daylight and at high latitudes (far away from the equator). Figures 1 and 2 show that the SP230’s design features improve the solar radiation measurements during icy conditions.
