Solar energy in Spain

Abstract

From measurements made at the Optical Institute in Madrid, the energy on three specially orientated surfaces is calculated in the wavelength range 0.3 to 1.2 μ, including both the direct and the diffused radiation. Using measurements and observations made by the Astronomical Observatory in Madrid and keeping in mind the actual insolation time, the atmospheric absorption, and the inclination of the solar rays, the total energy coming directly from the sun in all wave lengths is calculated on the same surfaces. The first calculation gave a result, for the best orientated surface, of 1810 kwh per sq m per uear, and the second calculation, a result of 1230 kwh per sq m per year. Therefore, the electrical energy that a silicon cell or a thermocouple with concentrating device could supply per year is 199 kwh per sq m or 37 kwh per sq m, respectively. © 1957.