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U.S. Department of Energy
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Shining On: A primer on solar radiation data

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5181287· OSTI ID:5181287
This document is a primer on solar radiation data. General uses of solar energy are presented. The manner in which solar radiation data is used to aid engineers in optimizing the use of solar thermal conversion and photovoltaic conversion is discussed. Methods for acquiring and assimilating the solar radiation data are illustrated. This would include the design and use of pyranometers and pyrheliometers. Seasonal and geographical variations in solar flux reaching the earth are evaluated. Other uses of compiled data include the determination of meteorological impacts of atmospheric disturbances such as volcano eruptions.
Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-83CH10093
OSTI ID:
5181287
Report Number(s):
NREL/TP-463-4856; ON: DE92010555
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English