Solar Radiation Analysis
Solar radiation analysis models the amount of incoming solar energy received at each location on a terrain surface, accounting for latitude, terrain slope and aspect, shadows from surrounding topography, and atmospheric conditions. It supports renewable energy siting, agriculture, and building energy modeling.
Solar radiation analysis (also called solar insolation modeling or solar irradiance mapping) calculates the total solar energy reaching each point on a terrain surface over a specified time period. The analysis integrates direct radiation (sunlight reaching the surface without scattering), diffuse radiation (scattered by the atmosphere), and reflected radiation, accounting for the complex interplay between sun position, terrain morphology, and atmospheric conditions.
Inputs and Methodology
Solar radiation models require a DEM, geographic latitude, time period of interest, and atmospheric parameters (transmittivity and diffuse proportion). The algorithm computes the sun's position (azimuthAzimuthAzimuth is the angular measurement of direction from north, measured clockwise in degrees from 0° to 360°. It is a fu... and altitude) at regular time intervals throughout the specified period, then determines for each DEM cell whether it receives direct sunlight or falls in the shadow of surrounding terrain at each time step. The slope and aspect of each cell determine the angle of incidence between the sun's rays and the surface, which affects the intensity of received radiation. Shadow casting from adjacent terrain is computed using viewshed-like ray tracing.
Applications
Renewable energy planners use solar radiation maps to identify optimal locations for solar panel installations, estimating annual energy production potential. Architects and urban planners model building envelope solar exposure to optimize daylighting and passive solar design. Agricultural scientists map growing degree days and photosynthetically active radiation to optimize crop placement. Ecologists model solar exposure gradients that drive microclimate and vegetation patterns. Building energy modelers calculate solar heat gain for HVAC system design.
Output and Visualization
Solar radiation analysis produces raster surfaces showing total, direct, diffuse, and duration of solar radiation for the specified time period. Values are typically expressed in watt-hours per square meter (Wh/m2) or kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m2). Time-series outputs show how radiation varies by month or season.
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