Solar Energy Incident On Earth

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Solar energy incident on earth.

At the earth s surface the energy density is reduced to approximately 1 000 w m2 for a surface perpendicular to the sun s rays at sea level on a clear day 1. The earth presents a disc of area nr 2 to the sun therefore the total amount of extraterrestrial insolation incident on the earth is i sc nr 2. Active 4 years 7 months ago. There are several measured types of solar irradiance.

Energy that is absorbed by the earth is not the same as the energy incident on the earth s surface. Solar energy is harvested by capturing light for direct photovoltaic conversion into electricity or as thermal energy heat water heating space heating and other uses. Total solar irradiance tsi is a measure of the solar power over all wavelengths per unit area incident on the earth s upper atmosphere it is measured perpendicular to the incoming sunlight. The earth s radius is 6 37 10 6 m.

Rough estimates of the solar energy available at the earth s surface. The solar constant is a conventional measure of mean tsi at a distance of one astronomical unit au. Solar energy is incident on the top of earth s atmosphere at the rate of about 1 364 watts on every square meter w m 2. The total amount of solar energy incident on earth is vastly in excess of the world s energy requirements and could satisfy all future energy needs if suitably harnessed.

On a perfectly clear or cloudless day when the sun is directly overhead or at the zenith solar irradiation is still reduced due to absorption 16 and reflection 6 by particles in earth s atmosphere. This energy effectively falls on the cross sectional area of the planet. This energy effectively falls on the cross sectional area of the planet. From this fact calculate the total rate at which solar energy arrives at earths.

The solar constant is the average extraterrestrial insolation at the edge of the atmosphere. This gives the earth a mean net albedo specifically its bond albedo of 0 306. Solar energy radiation from the sun capable of producing heat causing chemical reactions or generating electricity. Ask question asked 7 years 3 months ago.

Direct normal irradiance dni or beam. 0 begingroup the daily. How to calculate incident solar energy on earth in a given day with a spectral filter.