Definitions of Solar Constant, Beam Radiation, Diffused Radiation and Insolation
Q. Define the following terms related to solar radiations : (i) Solar constant (ii) Beam radiation , (iii)Diffused radiation, (iv)Insolation.
- Solar constant : The rate at which the sun’s energy is received per unit area at the top of the earth’s atmosphere when the sun is at its mean distance from the earth and atmospheric absorption has been corrected for. Its value is 1367 watts per square metre.
- Beam radiation : It is the solar radiation received from the sun without having been scattered by the atmosphere.
- Diffused radiation : It is the solar radiation received from the sun after its direction has been changed by scattering the atmosphere.
- Insolation : It is the total amount of solar radiation energy received on a given surface area during a given time.