Distribution Of Solar Energy On Earth

The greater the angle the greater the amount of thermal energy that reaches the ground per unit of surface area.

Distribution of solar energy on earth. The amount of solar energy that reaches the earth s surface depends on different factors the most important of which is the magnitude of the angle formed between the direction of the sun s rays and the surface itself. Calculating solar energy to surface energy from sun to earth. These are illustrated in figure 2 and also described briefly hereunder with respect to the northern hemisphere with the understanding that the same conditions apply to. The sun s radiation reaches the earth in a non homogeneous way because of its interaction with the atmosphere and the angle of incidence of sunrays.

Earth s energy balance will enable you to understand radiative equilibrium. The earth s surface reflects a small percentage of the sun s energy but the vast majority is absorbed by the surface of the earth. The energy from sun is distributed by radiation and convection. Distribution of solar radiations the sun will illuminate and heat the earth until its hydrogen reserves are depleted i e.

Of total solar radiation on a global scale is divided in terms of intensity into four broad belts around the earth. The solar constant includes all types of solar radiation not just the visible light. The solar irradiance is measured in watt per square metre w m 2 in si units solar irradiance is often integrated over a given time period in order to report the radiant energy emitted into the surrounding environment. Distributed solar actually means distributed generation of solar power.

Solar electricity produced by households using rooftop systems is referred to as distributed solar. You will also be able to recognize that the temperature of earth depends on the a. The planets intercept minute fractions of this energy the amount depending on their size and distance from the sun. This contrasts with centralized generation where solar electricity is produced by a large plant and then distributed to consumers through a power distribution network grid.

The solar constant is a measure of flux density is the amount of incoming solar electromagnetic radiation per unit area that would be incident on a plane perpendicular to the rays at a distance of one astronomical unit au roughly the mean distance from the sun to earth. Solar radiation distribution of radiant energy from the sun. There are several things that can happen to the sun s energy as it reaches our planet. Solar energy world distribution regions for application.

In approximately 5 billion years. Nuclear fusion deep within the sun releases a tremendous amount of energy that is slowly transferred to the solar surface from which it is radiated into space.