What is the maximum radiation that can be received from solar light and what does most of the incoming solar radiation eventually turn into?
Please refer to this article:
https://www.pveducation.org/pvcdrom/properties-of-sunlight/solar-radiation-in-space
The maximum extra-terrestrial irradiance is known as solar constant. Its value is 1366.1 watts per m2. This is the theoretical maximum irradiance that is received by the earth above its atmosphere.
As it traverses our atmosphere, it gets scatterd by clouds, atmospheric gas molecules, dust particles etc. (See Rayleigh Scattering). Some of it is absorbed by the some gas molecules.
Eventually what arrives at the ground can be seen as a spectrum ( SeeAM 0 or AM1.5 spectrum)
The maximum radiation that can be received from solar light is about 1000 watts per square meter (W/m²). This occurs on a clear day at sea level when the sun is at its zenith, or directly overhead. The amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface varies depending on a number of factors, including the time of day, the season, the latitude, and the cloud cover.
📷Opens in a new window📷www.sciencephoto.com
Solar radiation illustration
Most of the incoming solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is eventually absorbed by the Earth and converted into heat. This heat warms the atmosphere, the oceans, and the land. A small amount of solar radiation is reflected back into space by clouds and other reflective surfaces.
The maximum radiation intensity of the solar spectrum occurs at 500 nm, towards the blue end of the visible range. The complete spectrum comprises the ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis) and infrared (IR) wavelengths. However, these wavelength ranges need to be sub-divided depending on the individual application fields. The maximum recorded direct solar radiation on the surface of the earth is 1050 W/m2. The maximum global radiation on a horizontal surface at ground level has been recorded is 1120 W/m2. Solar radiation is largely optical radiation [radiant energy within a broad region of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes ultraviolet (UV), visible (light) and infrared radiation], although both shorter wavelength (ionizing) and longer wavelength (microwaves and radiofrequency) radiation is present. Larger aerosol particles in the atmosphere interact with and absorb some of the radiation, causing the atmosphere to warm. The heat generated by this absorption is emitted as long wave infrared radiation, some of which radiates out into space. About 40 per cent of the solar radiation received at the earth's surface on clear days is visible radiation within the spectral range 0.4 to 0.7 μm, while 51 per cent is infrared radiation in the spectral region 0.7 to 4 μm. The total radiation emitted by the sun in unit time remains practically constant. As it traverses our atmosphere, it gets scatterd by clouds, atmospheric gas molecules, dust particles etc. Some of it is absorbed by the some gas molecules. The maximum radiation that can be received from solar light is about 1000 watts per square meter (W/m²). Some of this incoming radiation is reflected off clouds, some is absorbed by the atmosphere, and some passes through to the Earth's surface. Larger aerosol particles in the atmosphere interact with and absorb some of the radiation, causing the atmosphere to warm.
- Badges
- Science topic