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Solar energy is the electromagnetic energy radiated from Earth’s sun.
Description
The energy that reaches Earth from the star at the center of our Solar System is known as solar energy. The source of this energy is ultimately from the consumption of solar matter in a process of nuclear fusion. This consumes our sun while emitting a characteristic spectrum of radiation (Fig. 1). Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has the characteristic of self-propagation as wavelike particles known as photons.
Representation of 250 to 2,500 nm solar radiation spectrum reaching the Earth atmosphere and surface. Source data available from: ASTM G173 – 03 (2008)
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References
ASTM G173 – 03. (2008). Standard tables for reference solar spectral irradiances: Direct normal and hemispherical on 37° tilted surface. Accessed September 23, 2011, from http://www.astm.org/Standards/G173.htm
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Kalogirou, S. (2009). Solar energy engineering: Processes and systems. Burlington, MA: Elsevier/Academic.
US Energy Information Administration., (EIA). (2011). International energy outlook 2011. Accessed September 23, 2011, from http://www.eia.gov/ieo/pdf/0484(2011).pdf
Vanek, F. M., & Albright, L. D. (2008). Energy systems engineering: Evaluation and implementation. New York: McGraw Hill.
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© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
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Joseph, A., Wilkie, G. (2014). Solar Energy. In: Michalos, A.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_2808
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_2808
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