Solar energy is the energy of sun light. The temperature of the Sun’s surface reaches to a value of approximately 5,762 K. The Earth’s perimeter of 40,000km results in an intersected sun power of 174,000 TW. Attenuation by the atmosphere results in a peak intensity at sea level of around 1 kW/m2, giving a 24 hour annual average of 0.2 kW/m2 and a 24 hour annual average power of 102,000 TW. This commands the environment and maintains the life support system of the Earth’s ecosystem and all forms of renewable energy with the exception of geothermal energy. The solar energy reaching the earth’s surface surpasses 10,000 times the current global energy demand.
To be more specific in terms of harnessing solar energy we are interested with the irradiance. Irradiance is the energy of the light incident on a solar collector. Irradiance is measure in energy per area (W/m2). The solar irradiance on the Earth’s surface consists of three components, the beam irradiance, diffuse, and ground reflected irradiance. The beam components is the irradiance that reaches the solar collector directly. The diffuse irradiance is formulated due to scattering and absorption in the Earth’s atmosphere. Finally, the ground reflected irradiance is formed due to the sunlight reflected by the Earth’s ground.
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