Solar Energy

Sunlight is defined as the total spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. On Earth, sunlight is filtered through the atmosphere, and the solar radiation is visible as daylight when the sun is above the horizon. When the direct radiation is not blocked by clouds, it is experienced as a combination of bright light and heat. 

The sun is the primary source of energy on Earth. Radiation from the sun strikes the Earth’s atmosphere and begins to be absorbed by air particles and gases, while the remaining energy reaches the Earth’s surface. Earth absorbs much of this radiation, and reflects and emits radiation as well. Even small changes to the balance of this energy system is believed to be able to cause intense shifts in the Earth’s climate.

The measurement needs of the solar industry are quite diverse, ranging from process control applications in the manufacturing of thin film photo-voltaic panels through direct solar measurements and solar simulator characterization.

Avantes has worked closely with a number of industrial and research customers in the solar industry to design spectroscopy and spectroradiometry systems which meet the demands of this fast growing industry.