Solar Radiation Meter for Meteorology, University & Laboratory Research Malaysia
Solar Radiation Meter for Meteorology, University & Laboratory Research Malaysia
Solar radiation is an important environmental parameter in meteorology, renewable energy, agriculture, building science and engineering research.
For projects requiring portable spot measurements of solar power, a handheld solar radiation meter can provide readings in W/m² (watts per square metre).
The VICI LX-107 Solar Power Meter is designed for portable solar power measurement. VICI lists applications including meteorology, solar research, physics laboratories, optical laboratories, agriculture, solar installation and industrial applications.
This makes the LX-107 relevant to universities, laboratories, researchers and technical users who need straightforward field solar radiation measurements.
What Does a Solar Radiation Meter Measure?
Solar irradiance describes radiant power incident on a surface per unit area.
A commonly used unit is:
W/m² – watts per square metre
For example, a researcher might record:
Solar irradiance: ______ W/m²
together with other environmental parameters.
This provides a quantitative measurement instead of relying on descriptions such as:
“Strong sunlight”
“Partly cloudy”
or
“Weak afternoon sun”
Why Measure Solar Radiation in Research?
Solar radiation can influence many physical and environmental processes.
Depending on the research project, it may be useful alongside measurements such as:
Air temperature
Surface temperature
Relative humidity
Wind speed
Air quality
Solar PV output
Building temperature
Agricultural conditions
Water temperature
Other environmental variables
The appropriate combination depends on the experiment.
Meteorological Applications
Solar radiation is one parameter that may be studied in meteorological and environmental work.
A researcher could investigate how measured solar radiation changes according to:
Time of day
Cloud cover
Haze
Weather conditions
Measurement location
Sensor orientation
Seasonal conditions
For portable observations and educational experiments, a handheld solar power meter can be convenient.
However, professional meteorological stations may require specialised sensors and continuous monitoring systems.
Handheld Solar Meter vs Pyranometer
These should not automatically be treated as equivalent solutions.
Handheld Solar Power Meter
Useful for:
Portable measurements
Spot checks
Teaching
Field comparison
Technical demonstrations
General research where its specifications are suitable
Research or Monitoring Pyranometer
May be required for:
Continuous solar radiation monitoring
Long-term meteorological data
Higher-level research requirements
Standardised measurement programmes
Monitoring-system integration
The correct instrument depends on the required accuracy, spectral response, measurement method, data collection period and applicable research standard.
A portable LX-107 should therefore not automatically be presented as a replacement for every professional pyranometer installation.
University Teaching Applications
Solar radiation meters can be useful in practical engineering and science education.
Students can investigate questions such as:
How does solar irradiance change throughout the day?
How do clouds affect W/m²?
Does sensor orientation change the reading?
How does solar radiation differ inside and outside a building?
How does glazing affect measured solar power?
How does irradiance relate to PV electrical output?
These experiments turn abstract solar concepts into measurable field data.
Renewable Energy Education
For solar PV courses, students can measure irradiance together with PV electrical parameters.
A simple experiment might record:
Solar irradiance: ______ W/m²
PV voltage: ______ V
PV current: ______ A
Module temperature: ______ °C
Weather: ______
Students can then investigate how environmental conditions relate to photovoltaic operation.
Physics Laboratory Applications
VICI lists physics laboratories among the LX-107 application areas.
Potential educational activities may involve:
Radiation comparison
Solar energy experiments
Measurement orientation
Material comparison
Window transmission demonstrations
Outdoor environmental measurements
The exact experimental method should be designed according to the educational objective and the meter's specifications.
Optical Laboratory Applications
Optical applications require careful understanding of what parameter is being measured.
The LX-107 provides solar power measurement, but users should not assume that it replaces every optical measurement instrument.
Depending on the research, laboratories may instead require specialised instruments for parameters such as:
Illuminance
Spectral distribution
Optical power
UV radiation
PAR / PPFD
Transmittance
Reflectance
Choose the instrument according to the physical quantity being investigated.
Solar Radiation vs Lux
Solar radiation in W/m² and illuminance in lux are different measurements.
W/m²
Measures incident radiant power per unit area.
Lux
Measures illuminance according to a human-vision-related weighting.
A lux meter is therefore not automatically a substitute for a solar irradiance meter.
Likewise, an irradiance meter should not be used as a replacement when the research specifically requires illuminance.
Solar Radiation vs PAR / PPFD
This distinction is especially relevant to agricultural and plant research.
W/m² solar irradiance is not the same measurement as PAR or PPFD.
If a study specifically requires photosynthetic photon measurements, researchers should select an appropriate PAR or quantum sensor.
The LX-107 is a solar power meter and should be used where its measurement parameter matches the research requirement.
How to Perform a Basic Solar Radiation Field Experiment
A simple educational experiment can be structured as follows.
Step 1 – Select Measurement Locations
For example:
Open outdoor area
Shaded area
Behind window glass
Under a canopy
Step 2 – Record Time and Weather
Environmental conditions are important for interpretation.
Step 3 – Position the Sensor Consistently
Maintain the required sensor orientation for comparable measurements.
Step 4 – Measure W/m²
Record the solar radiation reading.
Step 5 – Repeat the Measurement
Repeat at different times or locations according to the experiment.
Step 6 – Compare the Results
Analyse how environmental or physical conditions influenced the measured solar radiation.
Example Research Data Sheet
Project: ____________________
Date: ____________________
Location: ____________________
Time: ____________________
Weather: ____________________
Solar irradiance: __________ W/m²
Sensor orientation: ____________________
Air temperature: __________ °C
Relative humidity: __________ %RH
Other measurement: ____________________
Remarks: ____________________
Consistent documentation makes the results easier to analyse.
Why Sensor Orientation Matters
The amount of incident radiation measured can change when sensor orientation changes.
This is particularly important when students compare results from different locations.
If one measurement is taken with the sensor horizontal and another at a different angle, the readings may not be directly comparable.
A repeatable method is essential for meaningful experiments.
Why Timing Matters
Outdoor sunlight can change rapidly.
A cloud passing between two measurements can affect the result.
Therefore, researchers should record the measurement time and weather conditions.
When comparing two materials or locations, take measurements under conditions that are as comparable as practical.
VICI LX-107 Solar Power Meter
The VICI LX-107 provides portable solar power measurement for field and research applications.
Functions include:
W/m² Measurement
For solar power measurement per unit area.
BTU Display
Provides an additional measurement unit.
MAX / MIN
Useful for observing variations during a measurement period.
Data Hold
Allows a displayed reading to be held for easier recording.
Its portable format can be convenient for students and researchers moving between indoor and outdoor measurement locations.
MAX/MIN for Environmental Experiments
Solar radiation can fluctuate during an observation period.
MAX/MIN allows users to observe maximum and minimum measurements.
This can be useful when demonstrating changing outdoor solar conditions.
However, researchers should still record measurement methods carefully rather than relying only on maximum and minimum values.
Can LX-107 Be Used for Professional Meteorological Monitoring?
The answer depends on the project requirements.
For portable measurements, demonstrations and applications compatible with its specifications, the LX-107 may be suitable.
For applications requiring:
Continuous unattended monitoring
Long-term logging
Research-grade meteorological networks
Standard-specific measurements
Automated data acquisition
a specialised monitoring system or pyranometer may be required.
Always match the instrument to the measurement standard and research objective.
Who Can Use the VICI LX-107?
Potential users include:
Universities and Colleges
For engineering and science education.
Research Laboratories
For appropriate solar radiation experiments.
Meteorological Studies
For portable measurements where the meter's capabilities meet the project requirement.
Solar Research Teams
For field solar radiation spot measurements.
Agricultural Researchers
For environmental studies.
Building Researchers
For solar radiation and glazing comparisons.
Industrial R&D Teams
For appropriate technical measurement applications.
Solar Radiation Meter Supplier Malaysia
MTM Precision supplies testing and measurement equipment for universities, laboratories, research institutions, solar contractors, industrial companies and engineering users throughout Malaysia.
For projects requiring portable solar power measurement, the VICI LX-107 Solar Power Meter can be considered where its measurement capabilities match the application.
For more specialised research requirements, customers should select equipment according to the required parameter, accuracy, measurement method and applicable standard.
Contact MTM Precision
MTM Precision Sdn Bhd
Website: www.mtmpre.com.my
Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com
WhatsApp: 016-660 7346
Showroom & Service Centre
No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18,
Pusat Bandar Puchong,
47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.
Serving universities, laboratories, engineering companies and industrial customers throughout Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, Kedah, Perlis, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak.
Need a portable solar radiation meter for research, teaching or laboratory applications? Contact MTM Precision for VICI LX-107 availability and suitable environmental measurement instruments in Malaysia.
08 Sep 2026
