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INCOMING SOLAR ENERGY
Each surface has  a default emissivity and solar absorptivity. The solar absorptivity is the fraction of incoming solar energy that the surface absorbs. The absorptivity can be calculated by integrating the product of the spectral solar radiance striking the surface by the spectral emissivity (or 1.0-reflectance) of the surface.

The absorptivity property determines the amount of incident solar energy absorbed. The magnitude of incident solar energy is the combination of the following:

Direct Solar Irradiance
Direct Solar Radiation

  • Measured by pyrheliometer (W/m^2)
  • Short wavelength
  • Depends on angle of incidence

Diffuse Solar Irradiance
Irradiance

  • Not to be confused with thermal skyshine or sky temperature which is long wavelength
  • No direct components
  • Measured by a shadow band pyranometer (W/m^2) with correction for diffuse shaded portion
  • Short wavelength

Reflected Solar
Reflected Solar

  • Total solar (direct + diffuse) reflected from the surroundings.
  • Measured by downlooking pyranometer (W/m^2)
  • Short wavelength
  • Depends on orientation

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