E – 1968 Solar Energy Introduction

Solar energy travels from the sun to the earth in the form of electromagnetic radiation.  In this course properties of electromagnetic radiation will be discussed and basic calculations for electromagnetic radiation will be described. Several solar position parameters will be discussed along with means of calculating values for them.  The major methods by which solar radiation is converted into other useable forms of energy will be discussed briefly.  Extraterrestrial solar radiation (that striking the earth’s outer atmosphere) will be discussed and means of estimating its value at a given location and time will be presented.  Finally information will be presented on the use of three websites to obtain values for yearly average solar insulation, monthly average insulation, or daily insulation at a specified location in the United States or anywhere around the world.  Numerous examples are included to illustrate the calculations and data retrieval methods presented.

After completing this course, you will have basic knowledge about solar electromagnetic radiation, will be familiar with fundamental solar parameters, will be able to obtain or calculate values for those parameters and use them in calculations, and will be able to obtain values for average monthly rate of solar radiation, average annual rate of solar radiation and average hourly rate of solar radiation striking the surface of a typical solar collector in the United States or any location around the world.  You will also be prepared to take additional more specialized solar energy courses.