Solar resource assessment with a solar spectral irradiance meter

Abstract

The SSIM prototype was designed at the University of Ottawa as a cost-effective alternative to a field spectroradiometer. The instrument was installed at the University of Ottawa's CPV testing facility in September, 2013, collecting the environmental and spectral data from October, 2013 to March, 2014. The SSIM's performance was compared against an ASD field spectroradiometer and an Eppley pyrheliometer during a six month study. It was observed that the SSIM can accurately reproduce the solar spectrum and the direct normal irradiance. The mean difference between the SSIM and the Eppley pyrheliometer was within 1.5% for cloudless periods in October, 2013. However, bandpass filter degradation and moisture ingress limited the long term performance of the device.