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Surface Solar Radiation

Reference data and engineering information about surface solar radiation for electrical applications.

surfacesolarradiation

Overview

Engineering reference data for Surface Solar Radiation in electrical engineering.

Key Formulas

Ohm's Law

V=IRV = IR

Voltage = Current × Resistance.

Power

P=VI=I2R=V2/RP = VI = I^2R = V^2/R

Electrical power.

Energy

E=PtE = Pt

Energy = Power × Time.

Variables

Symbol Description Unit
VV Voltage V
II Current A
RR Resistance Ω
PP Power W

Seasonal Solar Radiation by Latitude

Solar radiation accumulation varies significantly with latitude and season, particularly on south-facing surfaces in the Northern Hemisphere. The referenced diagrams illustrate patterns for latitudes 0°N, 30°N, and 60°N.

  • At the equator (0°N), winter radiation can be sufficient for year-round solar applications.
  • At mid to high northern latitudes (30°N to 60°N), energy availability is concentrated in the summer months. Applications should therefore be designed to meet peak demand during this season.

Common Solar Energy Unit Conversions

When analyzing surface solar radiation data, the following conversion factors are frequently used.

  • Energy Conversion:
    1 MJ = 0.278 kWh = 239 kcal = 948 Btu
  • Area Conversion:
    1 m² = 1550 in² = 10.764 ft²

References