Irradiance designs photovoltaic power systems and instrumentation to measure solar energy resources and optimizes PV system performance through analysis of solar
resources and cost effective PV array design.
Instrumentation Products
Irradiance recently introduced a second generation Rotating
Shadowband Radiometer, an instrument that provides a means for robust, low
cost measurement of solar energy resources. Dr. Kern and his colleagues invented this instrument in the mid-1990s to provide an alternative to
sun-tracking pyrheliometer instruments that are used to monitor direct
normal irradiance.
Recent Projects
Irradiance engages in the design of large-scale photovoltaic arrays for
power grid generation. Dr. Kern worked with the World Bank and the
International Finance Corporation on the conjunctive use of photovoltaic and
hydroelectric power generation in developing countries.
Recently, Irradiance began a study of methods for measuring solar energy resources in
the marine environment and the design of PV power systems for ocean data
buoys.
Management Consulting
Dr. Kern occasionally participates in management consulting projects with the
Navigant Consulting renewable energy practice of Burlington, Massachusetts,
which was formerly the Arthur D. Little renewable energy team.
Academic Interests
Dr. Kern was formerly a member of the research staff at MIT's Energy Laboratory,
Lincoln Laboratory, and most recently the MIT Laboratory for Energy and the Environment.
In 2003 and 2004, he served as one of four lecturers in a graduate level course
on sustainable energy. Currently he is an MIT Affiliate, working to develop
courses and research projects at MIT in renewable energy areas.
Edward Kern can be reached via email at: 
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©2005 Irradiance Corporation