Amount of solar energy per day in a given location

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the amount of solar energy received at a specific location on Earth during a given day, focusing on the influence of latitude and the angle of sunlight. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks an equation to calculate solar energy based on latitude and time, expressing a desire for a reference to avoid errors.
  • Another participant argues that calculating solar energy is impossible due to various influencing factors, such as cloud cover.
  • A later reply clarifies that the question can assume ideal conditions, such as constant solar output and a perfect sphere, focusing on the angle of sunlight.
  • One participant provides a link to US government records and models related to solar energy data.
  • Another participant shares a link to a resource that offers equations for calculating solar insolation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of calculating solar energy, with some emphasizing the complexities involved while others suggest simplified models under ideal conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to the calculation.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about ideal conditions, the neglect of atmospheric effects, and the variability of solar energy due to environmental factors.

ondrejjosef
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi,
I'm trying to find equation for an amount of solar energy that given place (of some latitude) on Earth's surface receives during a given day. I know it can be derived by using basic geometry, but I just need it for some application and don't want to waste time and risk mistakes. So if you know, where I could find this, I would greatly appreciate a reference. Thanks in advance for any help.

Josef Ondrej
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
That is impossible to calculate.
The amount of solar energy reaching the Earth depends on many factors. Think about clouds.
 
My mistake, sorry for not specifying the question more accurately. You can assume that solar output is perfectly homogenous, constant, Earth is a perfect spehere with no atmosphere. Basically I'm just interested in the effect of varying angle from which you can see the Sun from that place.
 
The US government keeps records/models of this: http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/1991-2005/tmy3/
 
If instead of tables you prefer equations, this should help

http://www.pveducation.org/pvcdrom/properties-of-sunlight/calculation-of-solar-insolation
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Graduate Understanding NOAA and Naval Observatory's Solar Calculations
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
12K
Undergrad New Developments In The Search For Planet X
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Calculation of daily solar insolation
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Misc. My new solar cooker/solar drier 1/5 scale model: It's smoking!
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate A Question Concerning Solar Flares
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad How does the solar wind affect Earth's atmosphere?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad What is the efficiency of solar energy in geosynchronous orbit?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
10K
Undergrad What is the new source of space radiation discovered near Earth?
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
12K
Could we make a practical solar fridge?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
Solar Panels and Solar Radiation Flux Density Help - Very Confused
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
6K