Spectral Solar Radiation Data Base

The spectral solar radiation data base represents a range of atmospheric conditions (or climates) and is applicable to several types of solar collectors.

The Solar Energy Research Institute (NREL's predecessor), the Electric Power Research Institute, the Florida Solar Energy Center, and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. cooperated to produce the spectral solar radiation data base. Data were collected at the Florida Solar Energy Center from October 1986 to April 1988 and at Pacific Gas and Electric from April 1987 to April 1988. The Florida Solar Energy Center operated one Electric Power Research Institute and one Solar Energy Research Institute spectroradiometer almost daily at Cape Canaveral, which contributed nearly 2,800 spectra to the data base. Pacific Gas and Electric operated one Electric Power Research Institute spectroradiometer at San Ramon, California, as resources permitted, contributing nearly 300 spectra to the data base. The Solar Energy Research Institute collected about 200 spectra in the Denver-Golden, Colorado, area from November 1987 to February 1988 as part of a research project to study urban spectral solar radiation and added these data to the data base.

Data Files

Data are available for these sites. By accessing these files, you agree to abide by the NREL data disclaimer.

Florida Solar Energy Center – Cape Canaveral, Florida

Solar Energy Research Institute – Golden, Colorado

Pacific Gas and Electric – San Ramon, California

Publications

Spectral Solar Radiation Data Base Documentation, Volume I, NREL Technical Report (1990)

Spectral Solar Radiation Data Base Documentation, Vol. II, NREL Technical Report (1990)