Group Calibration of Silicon Cell Pyranometers for Use in an Automated Network

Abstract

Techniques for simultaneously calibrating a number of pyranometers for use with automated weather stations are examined. The pressure involves taking data from an Eppley precision spectral pyranometer and from up to 11 LI-COR pyranometers using a specially built sensor plate. Results of a group calibration of six pyranometers using 10-minute data over a 3-day period are given. Three best-fit lines were determined for full-scale (5?960 W m?2), midscale (300?650 W m?2) and midrank (400?800 W m?2) datasets. The full-scale calibration technique proved most useful, resulting in a standard error of estimate of less than 20 W m?2 in all cases.