New Sun Tracker

SOLYS 2 is a completely new sun tracker from Kipp & Zonen (The Netherlands). It has Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) levels of performance and reliability. It brings to the sun tracker market distinctive design, innovative features, performance, quality and unprecedented ease of use.

Increasing Interest in Solar Radiation Monitoring
Interest in high quality solar radiation monitoring is increasing in the fields of climate change, meteorology, solar energy and atmospheric physics. This requires the use of a sun tracker to measure the direct irradiance component and (if desired) the diffuse component, that complies with the WMO-GAW BSRN-requirements. The Kipp & Zonen 2AP sun tracker is widely used for this purpose because of its capabilities in extreme conditions around the world.
However, for a number of users the 2AP is over-specified. The new SOLYS 2 sun tracker from Kipp & Zonen provides BSRN level performance but is much easier to install and operate than any other tracker on the market.

Integrated GPS Receiver
The key function of a sun tracker is to follow the movement of the sun. This ensures that the pyrheliometer mounted on the side of the SOLYS 2 is always pointing optimally to measure the direct irradiance from the sun.
This depends upon accurate location and time information. SOLYS 2 is unique in obtaining this information automatically using an integrated GPS receiver.
After installation and levelling of the SOLYS 2, the power is connected and the GPS automatically configures the location and time data. The tracker will move to the calculated sun position and simple mechanical adjustments are made to optimise the alignment. SOLYS 2 is the only
fully automatic sun tracker available that does not require a computer and software for setup.

Complete Solar Monitoring Station
With the optional top mounting plate and shading assembly SOLYS 2 can be configured as a complete solar monitoring station with up to three ventilated Kipp & Zonen radiometers. The operating temperature range is - 40 ºC to + 50 ºC.