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 usable 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, there will be a presentation of how to obtain values for the average monthly rate of solar radiation striking the surface of a typical solar collector, at a specified location in the United States for a given month and for locations of known latitude and longitude worldwide.  Numerous examples are included to illustrate the calculations and data retrieval methods presented.

Upon completion of this course, the learner will:

• Know the different types of electromagnetic radiation and which of them are included in solar radiation.
• Be able to calculate wavelength if given frequency for specified electromagnetic radiation.
• Be able to calculate frequency if given wavelength for specified electromagnetic radiation.
• Know the meaning of absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance as applied to a surface receiving electromagnetic radiation and be able to make calculations with those parameters.
• Be able to obtain or calculate values for solar declination, solar hour angle, solar altitude angle, sunrise angle, and sunset angle.
• Be able to use solar declination, solar hour angle, solar altitude angle, sunrise angle, and sunset angle in calculations.
• Know the major methods by which solar radiation is converted into other usable forms of energy.
• Be able to obtain an estimated value for monthly averaged extraterrestrial radiation on a horizontal surface for a specified month and latitude between 20 and 65 degrees.
• Be able to obtain values for the average monthly rate of solar radiation striking the surface of a typical solar collector. at a specified location in the United States for a given month.
• Be able to retrieve solar radiation and meteorology data from any location in the world using the NASA/Langley website identified and discussed in this course.