Search

Within the European Community's Solar Energy R & D Programme, the Commission in Brussels has established an important cooperation with the Meteorological Offices of the EC Member Countries and various other solar energy laboratories, known as Project F. Within this framework, an expert group has been established to prepare recommendations for units and symbols in solar energy. The present article was drawn from their work. It is important to note that the main aim was to employ symbols which are clear, simple and easy to use, for instance on computers. The use of these units and symbols are strongly recommended for future EC publications on solar energy.

Action 4.1, part of Project F of the Solar Energy R&D programme, deals with the radiation networks of Member States. New equipment and measuring techniques for networks are assessed and eventually installed by the national services, all of which participate in this action. The current programme supports the meteorological services of four Member States in upgrading their networks for global, diffuse and direct radiation. Progress continues at different rates in these countries. The measuring technique for diffuse radiation with shadow bands is assessed. A correction formula, generally applicable, permits improvement of the accuracy of this kind of measurement up to |Mp 20 W/m2. One and a half year measured data of radiation measurements on inclined surfaces have been collected in Cabauw, the Netherlands, and are available on request. Data processing is in progress. “Solar Weeks” were organized for 1 – 14 November 1981, for the collection of meteorological data: global irradiation on a horizontal plane, diffuse global irradiation on a horizontal plane, sun shine duration — all three as hourly sums — air temperature and wind speed as available on magnetic tape, cloud cover on paper print. It is expected that data will be available three months later. A description of the radiation networks is envisaged by the action leader. First data were collected. A draft report will be available in 6 months’ time.