Solar Energy And The Atmosphere Pdf

When it reaches the earth some is reflected back to space by clouds some is absorbed by the.

Solar energy and the atmosphere pdf. The earth atmosphere energy balance is the balance between incoming energy from the sun and outgoing energy from the earth. Incoming short and intermediate wavelength radiation may be absorbed by gases in the atmosphere reflected back into space from the atmosphere or earth s surface or absorbed by earth s surface. The atmosphere and its elements clouds particles molecules reflect about 26 units back out to space and absorb another 19 units. The three types are.

Solar radiation and the atmosphere solar radiation occurs in a range of wavelengths represented by the electromagnetic spectrum. The second highest energy is also mostly stopped in the atmosphere. Energy released from the sun is emitted as shortwave light and ultraviolet energy. Of the solar energy that reaches the outer atmosphere uv wavelengths have the greatest energy.

Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the sun that is harnessed using a range of ever evolving technologies such as solar heating photovoltaics solar thermal energy solar architecture molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis. Solar irradiance is the power per unit area received from the sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation as reported in the wavelength range of the measuring instrument. Only about 7 of solar radiation is in the uv wavelengths. The remainder of the energy passes through the atmosphere with much of it 51 units being absorbed by the earth s surface.

The amount of solar energy received at the top of our atmosphere.