Comments on: Earth 4 Energy Review

By: pq glen

pq glen — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:53:59 +0000

incomplete question but here goes, my answer is slated toward PV solar

orientation: what latitude you are at has effect on energy the closer to the equator the more power full
(solar panel in the us are always pointed true south to harvest more power)

altitude: higher altitude receive higher amounts of irradiation
(Denver has less sun hours in reality due to its more northerly position on the planet than Los Angeles per yer year but maintains a higher isolation ( sun hours) value due to altitude)

weather: a climate that is constantly cloudy will receive less irradiation.
(the Mojave desert will have more sun hours than Los Angeles due to weather it is virtually same the spot on the earth and has almost identical sun up sun down values)

tilt: what time of day it is will have an effect on irradiation due to the tilt of the earth
(noon will have the strongest irradiation because of angle to the sun
References :

By: kishor j

kishor j — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:51:59 +0000

Solar energy to human and to entire planet … are two different categories. Solar energy for human means, the direct sun light humans use to convert into electricity and that solar energy is affected by following four factors —– 1) rain clouds which are dark in nature and block most of the sun light 2) dust particles within city area, ash particles in coal burning areas 3) fog/smog mostly during winter season which blocks visibility also 4) other pollutants like smoke/fuel emissions/vehicle and industrial air pollutants

For the solar energy to plants/animals/entire planet the four factors are — 1) dust particles 2) green house gases which brakes the ozone layer and brings harmful ultra violate light inside the earths atmosphere instead of clear and healthy sunlight 3) other pollutants like smoke/fuel emmissions/ vehicle and industrial air pollutants(pollution created by humans) 4) clouds/fog/smog mostly during winter season which blocks visibility also
References :

By: Dawei

Dawei — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:49:59 +0000

It depends on if you mean a small part of the Earth’s surface, like for example your city, or if you mean the Earth as a whole.

For a small part of the planet, the amount that reaches the surface will be affected by weather (especially clouds), time of day (obviously you get more at noon than at dusk), time of the year (you get less in the winter), and air pollution (natural or man-made).

Globally it is mostly constant, but it does change based on small variations in the amount of radiation coming from the sun. Of course, this will also have an effect locally, but not as the local effects do.
References :

By: A PROUD CANADIAN WALRUS

A PROUD CANADIAN WALRUS — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:47:16 +0000

what are some factors that affect the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth's surface?
i am confused i can not find this in my notes its for a exam review…what are four factors that affect the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface?