SOLAR RADIATION

1.1.Introduction
The Sun as an average star is a typical main-sequence dwarf of spectral class G-2. Its
radius is 6.96 ! "
#
m. The mean distance $etween the Sun and the %arth is ".&96 ! "
""
m
and is 'nown as the astronomical unit ()*+. Solar radiation is the electromagnetic radiation
emitted $y the Sun. )lmost all 'nown physical and $iological cycles in the %arth system are
driven $y the solar radiation reaching the %arth. Solar radiation is also the cause of climate
change that is truly e!terior to the %arth system.
1.2. Difinition
Solar radiation is radiant energy emitted $y the sun, particularly electromagnetic
energy. )$out half of the radiation is in the visi$le short-wave part of the electromagnetic
spectrum.The other half is mostly in the near-infrared part, with some in the ultraviolet part
of the spectrum. The portion of this ultraviolet radiation that is not a$sor$ed $y the
atmosphere produces a suntan or a sun$urn on people who have $een in sunlight for e!tended
periods of time.
Solar radiation is more than the light and heat that we perceive from the sun. The sun
is a star and it produces energy in many forms, from percepti$le heat, visi$le and invisi$le
spectrums of light, radiation, and more. -ife on earth would $e impossi$le without the sun,
$ut our atmosphere also protects us from the more dangerous aspects of solar radiation.
-oosely defined, solar radiation is the total frequency spectrum of electromagnetic radiation
produced $y the sun.
This spectrum covers visi$le light and near-visi$le radiation, such as !-rays,
ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, and radio waves. The visi$le light and heat of the sun
ma'es life possi$le, and is called daylight or sunshine. The earths atmosphere deflects or
filters the ma.ority of the suns harmful radiation, and our near-perfect positioning in the solar
system allows us to receive the $enefits pro!imity to the Sun without $eing $a'ed or $roiled
li'e /enus or 0ercury.
Solar radiation and sunlight ma'e it possi$le for the %arth to house life. The negative
aspects of our relationship with the sun are primarily the result of human irresponsi$ility1 we
develop s'in cancer when we ignore our $odies signals to avoid sunlight, and we struggle
with glo$al warming $ecause weve ignored the environmental concerns of our actions. 2hen
we dont give solar radiation the respect it deserves, we are literally playing with fire.
The total amount of radiation received at the earth3s surface depends on four (&+
factors1
1. The distance of the sun. )ny change in the distance the %arth and the Sun cause the
variation of the acceptance of solar energy.
2. Intensitas solar radiation that is the si4e of the angle of incidence of sunlight at the
earth3s surface. The amount received is directly proportional to the magnitude of the
angle of incidence angles. 5eam with o$lique incidence angle which gives less energy
on the earth3s surface caused $y the energy spread wide on the surface and also $ecause
the rays have to travel further atmospheric layer than if the $eam at an angle
perpendicular to come.
3. The length of day (sun duration+, ie the distance and duration $etween sunrise and
sunset.
4. The influence of the atmosphere. 5eam through the atmosphere will $e partially
adsor$ed $y the gases, dust and water vapor, is reflected $ac', and the rest is emitted
forwarded to the earth3s surface.
)s human $eings, we tend to have a love-hate relationship with the sun on one hand,
sunlight 'eeps us warm, creates food and shelter for us via plant life, and gives us light. 6n
the other hand, as greenhouse gases trap more heat and the o4one layer allows more
dangerous */ radiation in, the suns rays can $e distinctly dangerous. */ rays cause s'in
cancer in humans and animals, $ut can contrastingly improve other s'in conditions li'e
psoriasis. 2e need the sun $iologically, as well, as it causes our $odies to produce vital
vitamin 7.
Solar radiation that falls is usually estimated $y using a sunshine recorder is $y
8amp$ell Sto'es. This tool measures the length or duration of $right sunshine and consists of
a solid sphere made of glass. The sun3s rays will $e focused or concentrated $y the glass $all
was on a heavy paper that is sensitive and specific. 9ias scale on the cloc' mounted on a half-
$owl shaped metal concentric with the glass $alls. Sunlight is focused on 9I)s will $urn and
leave mar's on the pale. Total duration of $right sunshine during the day at get $y measuring
the total length of the former on the pias.
)cceptance of solar radiation at the %arth3s surface varies according to place and time1
". )ccording place:
)t the macro level due to differences in the location of latitude and the
state of the atmosphere (clouds+.
6n the micro level, the amount of radiation received $y the specified $y
the direction of the slope.
2. )ccording to the time, the difference of radiation received:
;appen in a day (from morning to evening+
Seasonally (from day to day+