Deploying GLOB, a novel multiface solar irradiance instrument next to the irradiance instrument park in Ny-Ålesund

This project involves deploying the GLOB system in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, to validate its ability to measure solar radiation, including both beam and diffuse irradiance, in Arctic conditions. GLOB is a unique, stand-alone instrument consisting of 25 pyranometers that capture solar irradiance across various orientations. Unlike pyrheliometers, which measure direct normal irradiance but require frequent maintenance, GLOB offers a cost-effective and durable alternative for the indirect measurement of solar irradiance components. To ensure its reliability, GLOB needs to be validated against data from the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) in Ny-Ålesund, which provides high-quality irradiance data. The validation process will ensure the accuracy of both beam and diffuse irradiance measurements. The fieldwork will include installing the GLOB system with the permission of KingsBay, a potential cooperation with the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) and logistical support from UNIS. If successful, this validation will represent the first application of GLOB for this purpose, providing valuable data for solar energy estimation in Arctic regions. The project also aims to establish collaboration between AWI and UNIS, fostering research in solar energy for polar environments.