SOLAR SPECTRAL IRRADIANCE IN THE VISIBLE AND INFRARED REGIONS

Abstract— The analytical formulas previously developed for estimating the spectral irradiance reaching the ground in the ultraviolet are extended into the visible and infrared(350–3000 nm). This approach has two distinct features: (1) all physical inputs for calculating the direct irradiance are given in analytical form, and (2) the diffuse spectral irradiance (skylight) is calculated using dimensionless ratios which relate it to the direct irradiance. In common with other approaches, the global spectral irradiance for arbitrary ground reflectivity is calculated from the sum of the direct and diffuse spectral irradiances and a divisor which depends upon the ground and air spectral reflectivities. The global spectral irradiance on a tilted surface may also be calculated in terms of the above quantities and two angles. As in the case of the ultraviolet, the formulas presented are intended for photobiological applications.