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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Terrestrial solar spectral modeling

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6278358
Two rigorous radiative transfer codes called SOLTRAN and BRITE are described. SOLTRAN was constructed from an atmospheric transmission code which uses a layered atmosphere model between sea level and 100-km altitude. This code includes no scattered radiation in its output. The BRITE code uses a Monte Carlo method and a layered atmosphere model, and accounts for both scattering and absorption. Spectra produced using the BRITE code are illustrated, and the use of SOLTRAN and BRITE for photovoltaic applications is demonstrated. Spectral comparisons between SOLTRAN, BRITE, and a spherical harmonics code are presented. Recommendations are made for improving the codes. (LEW)
Research Organization:
Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-77CH00178
OSTI ID:
6278358
Report Number(s):
SERI/TP-642-1343; CONF-810748-1; ON: DE81029067
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English