SR11 pyranometer is a solar radiation sensor that can be applied in scientific grade solar radiation observations. It complies with the "first class" specifications within the latest ISO and WMO standards. The scientific name of this instrument is pyranometer.

SR11 pyranometer serves to measure the solar radiation flux that is incident on a plane surface in W/m2 from a 180 degrees field of view (also called "global" solar radiation). Working completely passive, using a thermopile sensor, SR11 generates a small output voltage proportional to this flux.

Employing two glass domes, certain measurement errors are reduced; in particular thermal offsets, so that a high measurement accuracy can be attained.

Using the SR11 pyranometer is easy. For readout one only needs an accurate voltmeter that works in the millivolt range. To calculate the radiation level the voltage must be divided by the sensitivity; a constant that is supplied with each individual instrument. The SR11 pyranometer can directly be connected to most commonly used datalogging systems.

This pyranometer can be used for scientific meteorological observations, building physics, climate- and solar collector testing. A common application is for outdoor solar radiation measurements as part of a meteorological station. This application requires horizontal levelling; levelling feet and a level are included. The SR11 cable can easily be installed or replaced by the user.

Applicable standards are ISO 9060 and 9847, WMO (World Meteorological Organisation), and ASTM E824-94. SR11 can also be used for stability estimations according to EPA (EPA-454/R-99-005).