What Is Solar Irradiance?

The sun is a crucial part of our solar system. In fact, without it, all life as we know it would cease to exist. That’s why it’s critical that we understand the sun as much as possible since it directly affects our planet and our individual lives. One such area of interest relating to the sun is solar irradiance. In this article, we'll explore what solar irradiance is and why it’s important.

What Is Solar Irradiance and How Does It Affect Earth?

Solar irradiance is the amount of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by the sun and reaches the Earth's surface. It is typically measured in units of watts per square meter (W/m²) and is used to determine the amount of solar energy that is available for use in solar power systems.

Solar irradiance varies depending on a number of factors, including the time of day, season, and location. The sun is at its highest point in the sky at solar noon, when the sun's rays are most direct and the solar irradiance is at its highest. 

During the summer months, the sun is also higher in the sky, resulting in higher solar irradiance. Locations closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight and thus have higher solar irradiance compared to locations closer to the poles.

The amount of solar irradiance that reaches the Earth's surface is also affected by atmospheric conditions. Clouds, smoke, and air pollution can all reduce the amount of solar irradiance that reaches the surface. Additionally, the Earth's atmosphere absorbs some of the sun's radiation, particularly in the ultraviolet and infrared portions of the spectrum. This is known as atmospheric attenuation.

The average solar irradiance on the Earth's surface is approximately 1000 watts per square meter (W/m²). The solar irradiance at solar noon can be as high as 1400 W/m², while it can drop to as low as 200 W/m² during sunrise and sunset.

Solar irradiance data is often used by scientists and researchers to study the sun and its effects on the Earth. It is also used by meteorologists to forecast weather and by energy companies to predict the amount of energy that will be generated by solar power systems. The more solar irradiance that is available, the more energy can be generated by the solar panels. For this reason, solar panels are typically installed in areas with high solar irradiance, such as deserts or rooftops with clear views of the sky.

The Elumis Foundation believes that no child should be left in the dark. Our goal is to use solar kits to bring light to families and children around the world who don’t have access to electricity. With the renewable power of the sun, we can change the lives of people all around the world, give them opportunities they wouldn’t have without access to electricity, and help our planet in the process. Find out how you can get involved and help us make a difference today!

About the Elumis Foundation

The Elumis Foundation is a certified non-profit organization that was created in 2018 by siblings Eva and Michael Sakellakis (ages 15 and 13), looking to make a difference. Their father, who has his own successful solar business Elumis, helped and inspired them to form the foundation. Together they formed a Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization. This allows all donations to be tax-deductible by the donors. 100% of all donations received will fund the distribution of solar kits to be given to families who do not have electricity in impoverished areas of the world.

Elumis’ goal is to bring light to families and kids without that privilege through solar kits. These solar kits are powered through solar panels and can provide light and electricity for a family for up to 24 continuous hours. The Foundation has already made its first donation of 1000 solar kits in Vietnam and plans to distribute more kits to third-world countries throughout Africa, South East Asia, Central America, and India. Our goal is to distribute at least 100,000 kits to families in need.