Columbia Weather Systems

Cleanspark, a microgrid company with controls for distributed energy resource management systems, uses a Solar 2 Weather Station from Columbia Weather Systems to give context to their performance metrics. They use weather-corrected solar generation data, based on measured irradiance from the weather station, versus modeled irradiance when calculating actual performance versus modeled for contractual obligations. Additionally, weather data “will be the basis of certain alarm conditions as well as reporting,” according to Bryan Huber, chief operations officer. “Weather information is highly useful for load and production forecasting.” Based on the CWS’s flagship Capricorn model, the Solar 2 Weather Station includes barometric pressure, mechanical wind speed and direction sensors, and temperature and humidity sensors housed in a radiation shield, in addition to panel temperature and solar radiation sensors. Individual sensors allow for optimal sensor placement. A custom sensor c...

Is solar radiation data important to your company operations? We offer a range of pyranometers to fit different requirements. Click to see comparisons of the solar radiation sensors available with CWS weather stations.

This exciting new video  created by our interns gives a look into our Pulsar Weather Stations. The Pulsar line features durable, electronic sensors, incorporating various meteorological parameters in a compact, all-in-one sensor head. “(This is) the best technology when it comes to data collection for weather,” says Paul Deanno, Meteorologist at KPIX San Francisco . Some parameters are unique to respective models, including lightning detection, solar radiation, and precipitation type. 

The addition of the Solar Radiation sensor option to Columbia Weather Systems' Weather MicroServer adds this new capability to the Orion line of weather stations. (Previously solar radiation measurement was available only with the Capricorn 2000MP/EX Weather Stations.) The pyranometer or solar radiation sensor is calibrated to measure the shortwave radiation reaching the Earth's surface, measured in Watts/m-2. The self-cleaning convex lens is designed to accurately measure even low-angle radiation coming directly from the sun in the morning and evening. The dome-shaped head prevents water accumulation. Columbia Weather Systems manufactures professional weather stations for industries and organizations where weather conditions affect safety and profit. Weather monitoring systems are available in fixed, vehicle-mount and portable configurations.