Major brands of Pyranometers

In the world of solar radiation measurement, choosing the right pyranometer or solar radiation sensor is crucial for accurate data, system performance, and long‑term reliability. Two leading names—Vaisala and OTT HydroMet (under the Kipp & Zonen brand)—offer top‑tier instruments tailored for meteorological, research, PV, and industrial applications. This blog serves as a detailed pyranometer and PV pyranometer comparison and selection guide, helping readers understand brand background, product lines, flagship instruments, and selection strategy.

Brand Background

Vaisala

Vaisala is a globally recognized Finnish company known for its expertise in environmental and industrial measurement. Their history includes reliable meteorological sensors for weather, environmental, and industrial applications. 

Vaisala's products are widely used in meteorology and atmospheric science, aviation and industrial automation, and have an excellent reputation.

OTT HydroMet / Kipp & Zonen

 OTT HydroMet acquired the historic Kipp & Zonen brand, which has over 190 years of heritage in solar and atmospheric instrumentation otthydromet.com. Their pyranometer designs are benchmarked for spectral flatness, accuracy, and longevity, serving meteorology, climate research, and large‑scale solar energy deployment.

— They categorize instruments per ISO 9060:2018 standards: Classes A, B, C. Kipp & Zonen’s SMP10, SMP12, and SMP22 are Class A, spectrally flat smart thermopile pyranometers with long lifetimes and digital interfaces OTT Blog. Class C models like CMP3 are also available.

Product Line Overview

BGT Hydromet Product Line

• BGT-FZL measures solar albedo.

• BGT-SFL measures net solar radiation using the four-component method.

• BGT-TBQ(L-C) measures single-shield radiation, Class C.

• BGT-DNI measures direct solar radiation.

OTT HydroMet / Kipp & Zonen Product Line

• Class A Smart Pyranometers (ISO 9060):

• SMP10 – Most widely deployed PV pyranometer, spectrally flat, internal desiccant, analog + Modbus outputs.

• SMP12 – Next‑gen Class A, fast response, solid‑state dome heating, tilt sensor, humidity/temp sensor, Modbus only, robust surge protection.

• SMP22 – Extremely robust, wide voltage range, includes cosine response data and 5‑year warranty.

• Class C / Routine Monitoring:

• CMP3 – Entry-level, spectrally flat Class C, no power needed, simple analog output.

• Smart equivalents like SMP3, SMP6, SMP10, SMP21, SMP22 offer digital features like faster response, temperature compensation, Modbus interface .

• Ecosystem Components: Ventilation units (CVF4), net radiometers, pyrheliometers, albedometers, solar trackers (SOLYS2, RaZON+).

Typical Product Recommendations

For High-precision PV and Research Applications:

• OTT HydroMet / Kipp & Zonen SMP12: Top‑tier PV pyranometer, fastest response, integrated dome heating, robust design, Modbus interface, ideal for performance ratio analysis and continuous solar plant monitoring.

• SMP22: Great where long-term deployment with remote calibration is needed; rugged and easy to swap.

For Cost-sensitive or Entry-level Projects:

• BGT-TBQ(L-B): A good, economical option for general a pyranometer needs when budget constraints apply and ultra-high accuracy is not critical.

• BGT-ZZQ(L): Balanced solution for PV monitoring and meteorological needs with proven thermopile sensor.

• Kipp & Zonen CMP3: Simple, reliable Class C sensor, no power required—useful for remote deployments or when moderate accuracy is acceptable.

For Integrated Monitoring Systems:

• BGT-ZZQ(L) Solar Edition: Turnkey weather station with built‑in pyranometer, diffuse, albedo, support intergrate soiling and PV data. A one-stop solution for solar power plant performance and environmental data acquisition.

Selection Strategy: How to Choose “A Pyranometer”

When deciding between brands and models of pyranometer, consider these factors—each weighed by your application needs:

 1.Accuracy and Class (ISO 9060)

  For high‑precision PV yield calculations, Class A instruments (SMP12, SMP10) offer tight spectral response and minimal error.

  Middle-tier needs may be met by TBQ(L-B) or SMP12.

  Budget or educational setups can use Class C like BGT-TBQ(L-C).

2.Spectral Flatness

Essential for PV monitoring: ensures consistent response across 350–1500 nm—true of all SMP series and many Vaisala thermopile models.

Response Time and Dynamic Performance

Fast-changing solar irradiance (e.g., partly cloudy conditions) needs quick response: SMP12 excels (<0.5 s).

Durability and Maintenance

Smart pyranometers like SMP12 have internal drying cartridges lasting 10 years, integrated heating, surge protection—lower maintenance than competitors.

Interfacing (Analog vs Digital)

Analog (0–1 V, 4–20 mA) works with older data loggers.

Digital Modbus RTU simplifies SCADA/cloud integration—standard on SMP line.

• Environmental Features

• Dome heating in SMP12 prevents dew/frost, maintaining accuracy.

• SMP22 includes tilt angle compensation—good for installations in remote or unbalanced mounts.

• Budget and Support

• BGT Hydromet often offers excellent local support and complete packages (weather station + pyranometer).

• OTT HydroMet & Kipp & Zonen focus on precision and toolchain, supported globally.

Suggested Use Cases & Choices

Practical Tips for On‑Site Selection and Installation

• Mounting & Leveling: Always install a pyranometer level (within 0.05°) to minimize azimuthal error—especially critical for CM/SMP series.

• Location Awareness: Ensure no obstructions (trees, buildings) within 10× their height to avoid shading or reflection bias.

• Albedo Measurement: Aspire to get both global and reflected sensors together for energy modeling—Vaisala offers albedometer kits; SMP models can be paired with net radiometers.

• Environmental Safeguards: Use non‑silicone grease for outdoor joints to prevent corrosion; never maintain the sensor during thunderstorms.

• Calibration: Plan periodic recalibration—many SMP units allow easy swap of calibration, with memory-retained sensitivity values.

• Integration Planning: If your data resides in SCADA or cloud, lean toward digital (Modbus RTU) sensors or turnkey stations like AWS810 for seamless interoperability.

Conclusion

Selecting the right pyranometer or PV pyranometer hinges on balancing accuracy, maintenance, connectivity, and budget. OTT HydroMet / Kipp & Zonen specializes in precision, advanced measurement, and low‑maintenance smart pyranometers like the SMP12 and SMP10 that stand out in the solar industry.

If you need a single, all‑in‑one system, you can move to Vaisala website for a solution. For performance-critical PV monitoring, the SMP12 leads. For educational or low-cost setups, BGT-TBQ(L-B) or CMP3 meet the need. When operating remotely or requiring rugged reliability, the SMP22 is your best bet.

If you’re looking for a high-performance pyranometer that balances precision with cost-effectiveness, take a closer look at BGT Hydromet’s Class-A and Class-B pyranometers. 

Designed to compete with leading international brands, these instruments deliver exceptional accuracy and reliability—backed by side-by-side performance comparison charts that highlight their competitive edge.

For detailed specifications, test data, and pricing, click here to explore why BGT Hydromet’s pyranometers offer outstanding value without compromising on quality.