Total Solar Energy Incident On Unit Area Of Horizontal Surface On Ground Calculator

Total Solar Energy Formula:

\[ G_{solar} = G_D \times \cos(i) + G_d \]

Direct Solar Radiation (G_D):

W/m²

Angle of Incidence (i):

radians

Diffuse Solar Radiation (G_d):

W/m²

Total Solar Energy (G_solar):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Total Solar Energy?

Total solar energy is the solar energy incident on the unit area of a horizontal surface on the ground. It represents the sum of direct solar radiation and diffuse solar radiation reaching a surface.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the total solar energy formula:

\[ G_{solar} = G_D \times \cos(i) + G_d \]

Where:

\( G_{solar} \) — Total solar energy (W/m²)
\( G_D \) — Direct solar radiation (W/m²)
\( i \) — Angle of incidence (radians)
\( G_d \) — Diffuse solar radiation (W/m²)

Explanation: The formula accounts for both direct solar radiation (adjusted by the cosine of the incidence angle) and diffuse solar radiation that reaches the horizontal surface.

3. Importance of Solar Energy Calculation

Details: Accurate solar energy calculation is crucial for solar energy system design, building energy efficiency analysis, agricultural planning, and climate studies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter direct solar radiation in W/m², angle of incidence in radians, and diffuse solar radiation in W/m². All values must be non-negative.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is direct solar radiation?
A: Direct solar radiation is the part of solar radiation that reaches the earth's surface without being scattered or absorbed by the atmosphere.

Q2: What is diffuse solar radiation?
A: Diffuse solar radiation is the scattered solar radiation reaching the earth's surface uniformly from all directions.

Q3: Why is the cosine function used in the formula?
A: The cosine function adjusts the direct solar radiation component based on the angle of incidence, as the effective area receiving radiation decreases with increasing angle.

Q4: What are typical values for solar radiation components?
A: On a clear day, direct radiation can range from 600-1000 W/m², while diffuse radiation typically ranges from 50-200 W/m², depending on atmospheric conditions.

Q5: How does this calculation help in solar energy applications?
A: This calculation helps determine the total solar energy available for solar panels, heating systems, and other solar energy applications, enabling proper system sizing and efficiency analysis.