Question

Consider the following statements regarding Insolation:

1. It is the solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface.

2. It is measured by the amount of solar energy received per square centimeter per minute.

3. It is the amount of solar energy absorbed by the stratosphere.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 2 and 3 only

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : 1 and 2 only

It is a quantity indicating the amount of incident solar power in the form of electromagnetic radiation on a unit surface, expressed in units of kW/m². It is measured by the solar energy received per square centimeter per minute.

At the earth’s outer atmosphere, the solar insolation on a 1 m² surface oriented normal to the sun’s rays is called SOLAR CONSTANT.

Due to atmospheric effects, the peak solar insolation incident on a terrestrial surface oriented normal to the sun at noon on a clear day is on the order of 1 kW/m². A solar insolation level of 1 kW/m² is often called PEAK SUN.