• Solar photovoltaics are commonly used for electricity production.
• The availability and strength of solar radiation differs by time of day and area.

More energy from the sun lands on Earth in a single hour than is used by the entire human population in a year. Different technologies change sunlight to usable energy for all kinds of buildings. The most used types of solar technologies for businesses are solar photovoltaics used for electricity production, passive solar design meant for space heating and cooling of a building, and solar water heating.

Businesses and industry implement solar technologies to expand their energy sources, gain better efficiency, and lower overall costs. Energy developers and utilities utilize solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies to make electricity on a large scale to power parts of cities and small towns.

The availability and strength of solar radiation differs by time of day and area. Typically, the strength of solar radiation at any area is the highest when the sun is at its tallest apparent location in the sky, which is at solar noon and on clear, cloudless days.

Latitude, climate, and weather patterns are main aspects that affect the quantity of solar radiation obtained during a particular amount of time. Lower latitude locations and climates found in arid areas usually get larger amounts of solar radiation than other areas. Clouds, dust, volcanic ash, and atmospheric pollution affect solar radiation surface levels. Buildings, trees, and mountains can shade a location at various times of the day in various months of the year. Seasonal differences in solar resources grow as the distance from earth’s equator increases.

Where solar energy is used

Solar radiation levels are crucial for the performance of solar energy systems. The availability of financial incentives for solar energy are also key aspects that impact the location where solar energy systems are installed. Net metering has been very important in positively influencing the installation of PV systems on businesses.