What Kipp & Zonen does

Kipp & Zonen, founded in 1838 in Delft, Netherlands, manufactures precision scientific instruments for solar radiation and atmospheric measurement, including ISO 9060:2018 Class A smart pyranometers (SMP10, SMP12, SMP22), pyrheliometers, pyrgeometers, sun trackers, soiling monitoring systems (DustIQ), and complementary weather sensors inherited through the Lufft brand. The company's technology centers on thermopile detector-based sensors with microprocessor-controlled digital operation, RS-485 Modbus RTU communication, and proprietary innovations including solid-state dome heating and Optical Soiling Measurement; it manufactured the world's first pyranometer in 1923 and has deployed more than 100,000 sensors globally, with 65,000+ SMP10 units alone. Revenue is generated through one-time premium hardware sales, recurring biennial calibration services, and installation/maintenance support, sold via direct enterprise sales with specialized technical consultants and supported by offices in the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States.

Kipp & Zonen's primary customers are utility-scale solar project developers, operators, and asset managers requiring bankable irradiance data for performance ratio validation, alongside solar resource assessment consultants, meteorological networks (including the Baseline Surface Radiation Network), and academic research institutions. The company operates as a brand of OTT HydroMet B.V., which is an operating company of Veralto; in April 2026, OTT HydroMet was restructured into two distinct brands (Ott and Kipp & Zonen) to enable deeper specialization, and in November 2025 OTT HydroMet acquired Atonometrics to expand its solar monitoring portfolio. Distribution relies on direct enterprise field sales, technical consultants, and an authorized dealer network, with active engagement at global industry events including Intersolar Europe, Met Tech Expo, and RE+.

Name

Kipp & Zonen

Legal name

OTT HydroMet B.V.

Website

https://kippzonen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1838

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Kipp & Zonen manufactures ISO 9060:2018 Class A smart pyranometers, soiling monitors, and atmospheric measurement instruments for utility-scale solar operators, meteorological networks, and academic research institutions, operating as a Veralto brand under OTT HydroMet B.V.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Solar Radiation and Atmospheric Measurement Instruments

NAICS

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental Sensors (Temperature/Humidity/Gas/Air Quality) (HDAHALAD)

Keywords

• Solar radiation instruments
• Atmospheric measurement sensors
• Pyranometer manufacturing
• Meteorological monitoring equipment
• PV performance monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Delft

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Instrument and Sensor Sales: Kipp & Zonen generates primary revenue through the sale of precision measurement instruments including pyranometers, pyrheliometers, pyrgeometers, weather sensors, sun trackers, soiling monitoring systems, and accessories. These are typically one-time hardware purchases with instruments designed for 10+ year operational lifetimes.
2. Calibration and Repair Services: The company provides professional calibration and repair services for its instruments, including recommended recalibration every two years. This represents an ongoing service revenue stream from the installed base of instruments.
3. Installation and Maintenance Services: Kipp & Zonen offers installation and maintenance services to support proper deployment and ongoing operation of monitoring equipment, including warranty services and technical support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kipp & Zonen manufactures and sells precision scientific instruments for solar radiation and atmospheric measurement, including thermopile-based pyranometers (SMP10, SMP12, SMP22), pyrheliometers, pyrgeometers, UV radiometers, net radiometers, albedometers, and the DustIQ optical soiling monitoring system. The company also delivers complementary weather and environmental sensors (wind, precipitation, snow depth, visibility, all-in-one weather stations) under the Lufft sub-brand, sun trackers for direct and diffuse irradiance measurement, road weather sensors for transportation safety, and supporting accessories including ventilation units and dataloggers.

Product overview

Kipp & Zonen provides research-grade instruments for solar radiation and atmospheric measurement, organized as a comprehensive portfolio of specialized measurement products. The core offering centers on ISO 9060:2018 Class A smart pyranometers (SMP10, SMP12, SMP22) which measure global, diffuse, and direct solar irradiance with digital Modbus connectivity. Complementary products include pyrheliometers, pyrgeometers, net radiometers, UV radiometers, and albedometers for complete solar radiation characterization. The PV monitoring suite encompasses the DustIQ soiling monitoring system for optical soiling measurement and reference cells for performance comparison. Weather and environmental monitoring features the Lufft WS600 all-in-one weather sensor and RoadSMART21 stationary road weather sensor, alongside wind, precipitation, snow depth, and visibility sensors. Atmospheric analysis tools include scintillometers, ceilometers, and sun trackers (RaZON+, SOLYS2, SOLYS Gear Drive). The portfolio is supported by accessories including the CVF4 ventilation unit and METEON 2.0 data logger. Kipp & Zonen also incorporates Lufft (weather sensors since 1881), MeteoStar (weather analytics software), and Atonometrics (acquired solar monitoring brand) as sub-brands under the OTT HydroMet/Veralto umbrella.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lufft: Weather and environmental sensors for transportation networks, infrastructure systems, and meteorological observation with rugged, field-proven technology.
• MeteoStar
• Atonometrics

Products and services

• SMP10x Pyranometer ISO 9060:2018 Class A spectrally flat smart pyranometer with RS485 Modbus RTU connectivity and 10+ year internal desiccant, used for measuring global horizontal irradiance (GHI), plane of array (PoA), diffuse irradiance (DHI), and albedo in solar PV applications.
• SMP12 Pyranometer ISO 9060:2018 Class A fast-response smart pyranometer with patented integrated solid-state dome heating, built-in tilt angle and humidity monitoring, response time under 0.15 seconds, and IEC 61724-1:2021 Class A compliance for solar PV monitoring applications.
• SMP22 Pyranometer ISO 9060:2018 Class A smart pyranometer, positioned as the world's most accurate pyranometer and used in the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN), with wide-range temperature compensation, optional Pt-100 temperature sensor, and ultra-low directional response below 5 W/m².
• Lufft WS600 Smart Weather Sensor Compact all-in-one weather sensor measuring wind, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and precipitation using 24 GHz radar and ultrasonic technology, with SDI-12 and RS-485 Modbus outputs, IP66 rating, and -50 to +60°C operating range.
• Lufft RoadSMART21 Stationary Road Weather Sensor Compact roadside weather sensor delivering real-time road condition, friction, temperature, and moisture data for smart traffic management, calculating waterfilm heights, dew points, and classifying surface conditions as dry, moist, wet, snow, or ice.
• DustIQ Soiling Monitoring System Optical Soiling Measurement (OSM) system that measures light transmission losses on PV modules caused by dust and airborne particles using an internal light source to measure scattered and reflected light proportional to soiling, with no moving parts and IP65 rating.
• SUV-E UV Radiometer UV radiometer measuring erythemally active UV radiation (280-315 nm) per ISO 17166:1999 and CIE/S 007/E-1999, converting irradiance to a UV Index for public health information, with RS-485 Modbus RTU and 0-1 V analogue outputs.
• CVF4 Ventilation Unit Low-power, low-maintenance ventilation unit for Kipp & Zonen pyranometers and pyrgeometers with a swirling airflow design, integrated heater, IP68 rating, and 5-year warranty, designed to reduce dome soiling and thermal offsets.
• RaZON+ Sun Tracker All-in-one solar monitoring system providing global (GHI), direct (DNI), and diffuse (DHI) irradiance measurement with integrated GPS, data logging, and anti-soiling radiometer design for small meteorological stations and solar prospecting applications.
• SOLYS2 Sun Tracker Versatile sun tracking solution with wide radiometer mounting options, integrated GPS, and solar position monitoring via communication ports, designed for harsh climates and multi-instrument BSRN stations.
• SOLYS Gear Drive Sun Tracker High-end sun tracker for extreme climates and heavy instrument loads up to 80 kg, suitable for polar conditions, very hot and cold environments, and high wind speeds, BSRN compatible.
• METEON 2.0 Handheld Data Logger Handheld data logger for on-site pyranometer checking and validation that connects to up to five smart radiometers simultaneously, displays real-time measurement values, and offers real-time clock with battery backup and USB data export.
• Pyranometer Family (CMP/SMP Series) Complete range of thermopile pyranometers for global, diffuse, and direct irradiance measurement, classified to ISO 9060:2018 standards (Class A, B, C) for solar energy, meteorological, and atmospheric research applications.
• Pyrheliometers Direct normal irradiance (DNI) measurement instruments with narrow field of view, designed for solar tracking applications requiring precise direct beam measurement.
• Pyrgeometers Long-wave radiation measurement instruments for atmospheric infrared radiation measurement, used in atmospheric science and surface energy balance studies.
• Net Radiometers Instruments measuring both incoming and outgoing radiation components for net radiation balance calculations across the full solar and terrestrial spectrum.
• Albedometers Paired pyranometer systems measuring reflected solar radiation for albedo calculations in surface energy balance and climate research.
• Scintillometers Atmospheric analysis instruments measuring turbulence and heat flux over large paths, used in micrometeorology and atmospheric boundary layer research.
• Ceilometers Atmospheric analysis instruments for cloud height and boundary layer monitoring in meteorological and aviation applications.
• Wind Sensors Wind monitoring sensors for speed and direction measurement in weather stations and environmental monitoring networks.
• Precipitation Sensors Rainfall and precipitation measurement sensors including weighing and optical types for meteorological and hydrological applications.
• Snow Depth Sensors Sensors for measuring snow depth in meteorological and hydrological applications, including alpine and high-altitude deployments.
• Visibility Sensors Sensors for measuring atmospheric visibility distance for meteorological and transportation weather applications.
• Dataloggers Data acquisition systems for collecting and storing data from meteorological and solar monitoring sensors in remote monitoring stations.
• Mobile Surface Condition Sensors Mobile road weather sensors for vehicle-mounted surface condition monitoring during winter road maintenance operations.
• Stationary Surface Condition Sensors Fixed road weather sensors for continuous surface condition monitoring at roadside installations, including invasive and non-invasive types.
• Calibration and Repair Services Professional calibration and repair services for Kipp & Zonen instruments, with recommended recalibration every two years to maintain measurement accuracy across the installed base of instruments.
• Installation and Maintenance Services Professional installation and maintenance services for monitoring equipment deployment, including warranty services and technical support for solar, meteorological, and atmospheric measurement stations.

Quantifiable outcome

• A 4% Performance Ratio deviation at a 64 MW solar site can result in more than $1.8 million in lost revenue over 30 years.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AtonometricscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 November 2025OTT HydroMet (parent company of Kipp & Zonen) acquired Atonometrics, a technology leader in solar plant performance sensors and monitoring based in Austin, Texas. The acquisition expands OTT HydroMet's solar portfolio in soiling measurement, solar performance optimization, and irradiance monitoring, complementing existing Kipp & Zonen and Lufft brands.
• Baker Perry (University of Nevada, Reno)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2025Climatologist and National Geographic Explorer Baker Perry collaborated with OTT HydroMet (Kipp & Zonen) on the Aconcagua weather station expedition, installing five advanced weather stations at elevations from 4,267 to 6,949 meters. OTT HydroMet provided Pluvio²L precipitation gauges, Parsivel² present weather sensors, SHM31 snow depth sensors, and CNR4 Net Radiometers for high-altitude climate research.
• NASAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2025NASA scientists participated in the Aconcagua weather station project, focusing on soil sample collection and investigation of dry permafrost as an analog for Martian terrain. The collaboration demonstrates the interdisciplinary value of high-altitude research bridging climatology, hydrology, and planetary science.
• University of JaéncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2023Kipp & Zonen partnered with the University of Jaén to create a comprehensive database for European dust profiles and study soiling impacts on PV performance across multiple European locations. DustIQ sensor data was collected and securely stored for research published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal.
• Green Energy Park / IRESEN (Morocco)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2018Green Energy Park in Ben Guerir, Morocco was one of the first customers to use the DustIQ soiling monitoring system. The research facility, developed by IRESEN (Research Institute of Solar Energy and New Energies), conducts field tests on soiling impacts on PV modules in semi-arid climates using Kipp & Zonen pyranometers and DustIQ sensors.
• Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer ISE collaborates with Kipp & Zonen on solar energy research including agrivoltaics, PV performance monitoring, yield simulation for large-scale solar power plants, and scientific studies on soiling and atmospheric measurement. The institute uses Kipp & Zonen sensors for research and testing activities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• RM Young Company: US-based manufacturer of meteorological sensors specializing in wind, temperature, and humidity measurement. Competes with Kipp & Zonen's Lufft weather sensor line in North American meteorological networks, though with a narrower product portfolio focused on wind monitoring.

Broad incumbents

• Vaisala: Finnish global leader in weather, environmental, and industrial measurement instruments. Overlaps with Kipp & Zonen and Lufft in meteorological sensors, weather stations, and road weather applications but offers a much broader product portfolio including aviation weather and lightning detection.
• Davis Instruments: US-based manufacturer of weather stations and environmental monitoring products for consumer, agricultural, and professional markets. Competes more broadly in the meteorological sensor market with Kipp & Zonen/Lufft, though focused on lower-cost, integrated weather station solutions.

Direct peers

• Hukseflux Thermal Sensors: Dutch manufacturer of scientific-grade heat flux and solar radiation sensors, including pyranometers. Closest geographic peer to Kipp & Zonen and direct competitor in ISO 9060 Class A pyranometers and industrial heat flux measurement.
• Campbell Scientific: US-based manufacturer of data loggers, weather stations, and environmental measurement systems. Bundles third-party and proprietary sensors (including competing pyranometers) into complete monitoring stations; competes with Kipp & Zonen's METEON data logger and integrated weather sensor offerings.
• Middleton Solar: Australian manufacturer of solar radiation instruments including pyranometers and pyrheliometers for research and meteorological applications. Specializes in high-precision PV monitoring instruments, directly competing with Kipp & Zonen in the Asia-Pacific research-grade solar measurement market.
• LI-COR Biosciences: Manufacturer of scientific instruments including the LI-200R pyranometer and other environmental sensors for plant science, atmospheric, and soil research. Competes in the research-grade solar radiation measurement market alongside Kipp & Zonen, particularly in agricultural and ecological research segments.
• All Weather Inc: US-based manufacturer of meteorological and aviation weather sensors including pyranometers, ceilometers, and visibility sensors. Direct competitor to Kipp & Zonen's atmospheric analytics product line for meteorological networks and aviation applications.
• EKO Instruments: Japanese-headquartered manufacturer of pyranometers, pyrheliometers, and solar radiation measurement instruments. Directly competes with Kipp & Zonen in ISO 9060 Class A and Class B/C pyranometers for solar PV performance monitoring and meteorological networks.
• Apogee Instruments: US-based manufacturer of environmental sensors including pyranometers, quantum sensors, and infrared radiometers. Competes with Kipp & Zonen in research-grade solar radiation and atmospheric measurement, particularly for agricultural and ecological research applications.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kippzonen
• Facebookfacebook.com/kippzonen

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kipp & Zonen