Characterisation and Field Test of a Simple AvaSpec Array Spectroradiometer for Solar Irradiance Measurements at an Alpine Site

Olga Pisani (), Henri Diémoz () and Claudio Cassardo
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Olga Pisani: Physics Department, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
Henri Diémoz: ARPA Valle d’Aosta, 11020 Saint-Christophe, Italy
Claudio Cassardo: Physics Department, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-26

Abstract: Array spectroradiometers are increasingly being used to measure natural and artificial optical radiation because of their many advantages compared to traditional instruments. This study aims to thoroughly characterise a commercially available, cost-effective array device (AvaSpec ULS2048-LTEC) and compare its measurements of global solar irradiance in the 290–1100 nm wavelength range with those collected during three short-term field campaigns from more advanced, or specifically designed instruments. Moreover, the AvaSpec observations were compared with the output of a radiative transfer model. The results show that, despite its conceptually simple instrumental design, the AvaSpec can provide measurements of nearly comparable quality to those from reference instruments (e.g., UV index and global horizontal irradiance generally within ±5%) if all corrections are performed. These preliminary observations will be the basis of a long-term series at the Aosta–Saint-Christophe observatory, which can be employed to study solar energy production, biological effects and atmospheric composition changes in the Alpine environment. All procedures, including the encountered issues and proposed solutions, are described in detail.

Keywords: solar energy; solar radiation; array spectroradiometer; UV index; global spectral irradiance; instrumental characterisation; radiative transfer models (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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