Understanding the solar radiation

The use of solar radiation to produce electricity has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people look for renewable sources of energy. Solar radiation is a type of energy that is produced by the sun and is emitted in various forms, including direct, diffuse, and albedo radiation. The amount of solar radiation that reaches a specific location can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of day, the season, and the weather conditions.

To effectively harness solar energy, it is important to accurately measure the amount of solar radiation that is available. There are several ways to measure solar radiation, including the use of pyranometers and pyranoheliometers.

A pyranometer is a device that measures global solar radiation, which is a combination of direct, diffuse, and reflected radiation. It is commonly used to measure the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface, and is often installed on a flat surface facing upward.

A pyranoheliometer, on the other hand, measures direct beam solar radiation, which is important for concentrating systems. This type of radiation is produced when the sun’s rays hit a specific point without being scattered or reflected. A pyranoheliometer typically consists of a collector that is aligned with the sun and a thermopile that measures the intensity of the radiation.