Global normal spectral irradiance in Albuquerque

The Photovoltaic Systems Evaluation Laboratory (PSEL) at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in Albuquerque, NM has measured global normal spectral irradiance nearly continuously from August 2013 to April 2018. During this time other broadband irradiance measurements (global horizontal, direct normal, diffuse horizontal and global normal) and weather variables were also recorded. For this dataset PV Performance Labs (PVPL) has pulled together data from both sources to assemble a full calendar year spectral data set for use in photovoltaic research. It is composed of eight continuous segments of different durations taken from the two-year period September 2013 to August 2015.

The data set and creation process are described in further detail in the following report:

• A. Driesse and J. S. Stein "Global normal spectral irradiance in Albuquerque: a one-year open dataset for PV research," Sandia Report No. SAND2020-12693, 2020.

Please cite this report if you use the data.

And finally, we encourage you to let us know how the data set is useful (or not), and to send us comments and suggestions for making this data set (or upcoming ones) even better.

UPDATE: This data set is now also available in NetCDF format. Please let us know which format you prefer!

Figure 1 Two-axis tracker with pair of spectroradiometers (left) at the PSEL facility

Figure 2 Spectral irradiance over the course of a clear day (June 1)