Accurate solar radiation data underpin a wide range of applications — from solar energy yield estimation and atmospheric modeling to climate research and environmental monitoring. Maintaining the quality of this data depends on the regular calibration of pyranometers, which ensures the traceability and comparability of measurements across networks and time. Such calibration requires stable illumination, reproducible geometry, and high-precision reference standards, all of which must be supported by reliable instrumentation.
To meet these requirements, the development team at MicroStep-MIS, under the supervision of our calibration laboratory, has introduced Solarwell — a new pyranometer calibrator designed to enhance calibration precision, efficiency, and automation.
At its core, Solarwell features an integrated AAA-class LED light source (IEC 60904-9:2020) that provides constant, homogeneous irradiance throughout the calibration process. Compared to traditional arc lamps, the LED technology requires less cooling, consumes less energy, and offers a longer service life.
The irradiance intensity can be adjusted from 0 to 930 W/m² via a 5-inch touchscreen display or remotely through a network connection. To ensure identical lighting conditions for both the reference and calibrated sensors, the light source moves along a high-precision guide with an accuracy of 5 µm.
Together with IMS4 CalibLab software, Solarwell enables fully automated calibration — including remote operation — ensuring consistent, repeatable results without the need for operator presence in the laboratory.
The system, along with supporting equipment such as Matrix and Multimeter, has already been successfully deployed in calibration laboratories in Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where it contributes to maintaining reliable solar radiation data for research and operational use.
MicroStep-MIS had the pleasure of introducing Solarwell at the latest Meteorological Technology World Expo in Vienna, in October 2025, where it drew strong interest from professionals in meteorology, environmental monitoring, and solar energy.
Read more about Solarwell and its capabilities here.
