LPPYRA-Lite Class C Pyranometer thumbnail 1

Senseca

LPPYRA-Lite Class C Pyranometer

Compact Spectrally Flat Class C thermopile pyranometer according to ISO 9060:2018 for PV and solar radiation monitoring.

Global irradiance measuring range 0…2000 W/m²
Spectral range (50%) 300…2800 nm
Passive mV, 2-wire 4…20 mA, RS485 Modbus-RTU or SDI-12 outputs (depending on model)
IP67 anodized aluminium housing with optical glass dome

Quantity

Overview

The Senseca LPPYRA-Lite series consists of compact thermopile pyranometers designed to measure global solar irradiance on a flat surface, combining direct and diffuse solar radiation. Classified as Spectrally Flat Class C according to ISO 9060:2018, the series covers a measuring range of 0…2000 W/m² and a spectral range (50%) of 300…2800 nm, making it suitable for PV system monitoring and general solar radiation measurements.

The series offers four output configurations: passive mV (LPPYRA-Lite), 2-wire 4…20 mA (LPPYRA-LiteAC), RS485 Modbus-RTU (LPPYRA-LiteS) and SDI-12 (LPPYRA-LiteS12). Each pyranometer is factory calibrated according to ISO 9847:2023 (Type A1). The compact anodized aluminium housing features an optical glass dome, IP67 protection and an operating temperature range of -40…+80 °C. An optional fixing base with an integrated levelling device supports horizontal installation.

Typical Applications

Small photovoltaic (PV) power plant monitoring
Solar efficiency monitoring
General solar radiation measurement
Solar irradiance measurement in space- and weight-limited installations

Key Features

Thermopile sensor with black matt coating for global solar irradiance measurement
Spectrally Flat Class C classification according to ISO 9060:2018
Global irradiance measuring range 0…2000 W/m²
Spectral range (50%) 300…2800 nm
2π sr viewing angle
Passive mV, 2-wire 4…20 mA, RS485 Modbus-RTU or SDI-12 outputs, depending on model
Factory calibrated according to ISO 9847:2023 (Type A1)
Anodized aluminium housing with optical glass dome
IP67 protection and operating temperature range −40…+80 °C
Compact, lightweight design weighing approximately 150 g
Designed for direct tilted installation on PV panel planes, with optional levelling base for horizontal positioning
Internal silica-gel for moisture absorption to help prevent condensation inside the dome

Benefits

Measures direct and diffuse solar irradiance together using one compact sensor
Class C measurement in accordance with ISO 9060:2018
Multiple output options for integration with different monitoring systems
Individual factory calibration provides a defined measurement reference
Compact, lightweight design suits space- and weight-limited installations
Flexible mounting on tilted PV panel planes or horizontally with an optional levelling base
IP67 protection supports outdoor solar monitoring
Internal silica-gel absorbs moisture to help prevent condensation inside the dome

Specifications

General
Product series	LPPYRA-Lite
Instrument type	Pyranometer
Sensor type	Thermopile
Measuring principle	Seebeck effect
Measured quantity	Global irradiance (sum of direct and diffuse solar irradiance)
Classification	Spectrally Flat Class C
Classification standard	ISO 9060:2018
WMO requirements	Meets the requirements of the WMO Guide to Instruments and Methods of Observation
Factory calibration standard	ISO 9847:2023 (Type A1)
Calibration method	Comparison with a reference pyranometer

Measurement
Measuring range	0…2000 W/m²
Typical sensitivity	5…15 µV/(W/m²)
Spectral range (50%)	300…2800 nm
Viewing angle	2π sr
Response time (95%)	< 25 s

Output
LPPYRA-Lite	Passive mV
LPPYRA-LiteAC	2-wire current loop, 4…20 mA
LPPYRA-LiteS	RS485 Modbus-RTU
LPPYRA-LiteS12	SDI-12

Analog Signal
LPPYRA-Lite typical output impedance	< 50 Ω
Recommended reading instrument resolution	1 µV
LPPYRA-LiteAC output scaling	4…20 mA corresponds to 0…2000 W/m²
LPPYRA-LiteAC maximum load resistance	500 Ω
LPPYRA-LiteAC output during measurement anomaly	22 mA

Electrical Specifications
Model	Power supply / Current consumption
LPPYRA-Lite	No power required / —
LPPYRA-LiteAC	10…28 Vdc / Equal to output signal (4…20 mA)
LPPYRA-LiteS	5…30 Vdc / 8 mA
LPPYRA-LiteS12	7…30 Vdc / < 200 µA during normal operation; < 5 mA during measurement

Electrical Connections
Model	Connector
LPPYRA-Lite	4-pole M12
LPPYRA-LiteAC	4-pole M12
LPPYRA-LiteS	8-pole M12
LPPYRA-LiteS12	8-pole M12

Digital Communication
LPPYRA-LiteS communication protocol	RS485 Modbus-RTU
Modbus address range	1…247
Default Modbus address	1
Available Modbus baud rates	9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 bps
Default Modbus baud rate	19200 bps
Default Modbus communication format	8E1
LPPYRA-LiteS12 communication protocol	SDI-12 version 1.3
SDI-12 communication parameters	1200, 7E1
Default SDI-12 address	0
Maximum SDI-12 bus length	60 m

Environmental
Operating temperature	−40…+80 °C
Relative humidity	0…100% RH
Maximum operating altitude	6000 m
Protection degree	IP67
Mean time between failures (MTBF)	> 10 years

Mechanical
Housing material	Anodized aluminium
Dome material	Optical glass
Weight	Approximately 150 g
Dimensions	49 mm and 55 mm, as indicated in the manufacturer's datasheet drawing
Fixing holes	2 × M5
Fixing hole centre distance	40 mm
Moisture control	Internal silica-gel to absorb moisture and help prevent condensation inside the dome

Accessory
LPS40/32	Fixing adapter from 40 to 32 mm hole centre distance
LPS40/32BL	Fixing adapter from 40 to 32 mm hole centre distance, with integrated levelling device
Levelling device accuracy	< 0.2°
LPS3	Fixing bracket for horizontal or vertical mast installation; LPS40/32 adapter required
LPS5	Adjustable holder for inclined installation on Ø30…50 mm mast; LPS40/32 adapter required

Optional Cables and Configuration Accessories
CPM12AA4	Cable with 4-pole M12 connector and open wires, for LPPYRA-Lite and LPPYRA-LiteAC
CPM12-8D	Cable with 8-pole M12 connector and open wires, for LPPYRA-LiteS and LPPYRA-LiteS12
Optional cable lengths	5 m and 10 m (operating manual); 2 m, 5 m and 10 m (datasheet)
CP24	PC connecting cable with built-in RS485/USB converter for LPPYRA-LiteS configuration
Supplied connector	M12 female free connector if an optional cable is not ordered

Drawing

Downloads

LPPYRA-Lite Family Datasheet	DownloadLPPYRA-Lite Family Datasheet
LPPYRA-Lite Family User Manual	DownloadLPPYRA-Lite Family User Manual
LPPYRA-Lite Family CE Declaration of Conformity	DownloadLPPYRA-Lite Family CE Declaration of Conformity