Intensity of solar radiation

In the context of photovoltaics, the term "solar intensity" refers to the amount of sunlight that falls on a certain area per unit time. This intensity is a key factor for the generation of electricity by photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, as sunlight is the primary source of energy for these systems.

Solar radiation intensity is usually expressed in units of watts per square metre per hour (W/m²). This measurement represents the amount of solar energy that falls on a given area in one hour. The area represents the surface of a photovoltaic panel located on the roof of a building or on a plot of land.

The intensity of solar radiation is not constant and can vary depending on geographical location, time of day, weather and season.

The calculation of electricity production from photovoltaic panels depends on the intensity of solar radiation and the efficiency of the panels. The higher the intensity and the higher the efficiency of the panels, the more electricity they can generate. Therefore, it is important to have a well-designed PV panel system that is positioned to be exposed to as much sunlight as possible during the day.