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Abstract

A system for measuring radiation in the laboratory or at a site to aid in determining whether to erect a solar energy installation at that site includes a positioner and a sensor. The sensor, which is mounted on the positioner, includes a rotating semispherical chopper and an integrating sphere for collecting radiation in three modes. A broad-band detector measures the irradiance from the integrating sphere to monitor for anomalies. A pair of monochromators simultaneously measure, one in the visible range and the other in the infrared range, the spectral irradiance from the integrating sphere. Processing electronics process the measured spectral irradiance from the monochromators and generate data signals for providing an absolute irradiance spectrum at the plane of the entrance aperture. The absolute irradiance spectrum is inputted to an X-Y plotter and a magnetic disc and tape. The system further includes internal reference sources providing continuous wavelength and irradiance calibration.

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First Claim