An instrument used for measuring total solar radiation is called

🔑 Key Points
Explanation:
→ Pyranometers are used to measure irradiance of solar energy or total hemispherical solar radiation.
→ These instruments work based on the temperature difference between two surfaces.
→ Pyrheliometers are used to measure direct solar radiation intensity at regular intervals.

🔸 Pyranometer Working Principle:
→ Pyranometers work by measuring the temperature difference between two surfaces, one dark and one clear.
→ The thermopile plays a key role in measuring this temperature difference.
→ The voltage generated by the thermopile is calculated with the help of a potentiometer.

🔸 Pyranometer Design/Construction:
→ The pyranometer is constructed using three main components: thermopile, glass dome, and occultation disc.
→ The thermopile detects the temperature difference between the surfaces.
→ The glass dome limits the spectral response and protects the thermopile.
→ The occultation disc measures blocking beam and diffuse radiation.

📌 Important Points
→ Pyranometers measure the total solar radiation between 300 nm and 2800 nm.
→ Pyrheliometers are used with tracking mechanisms to follow the sun.

📝 Additional Information:
→ Pyrheliometers have a telescope-like design and use a black object at the bottom to measure radiance.
→ A calibration factor converts mV signals to radiant energy flux (W/m²).
→ Pyrheliometer data is used for creating insolation maps to help set up solar panels.