6.7.1 – Solar Radiation
6.7.2 – Hours of Sunlight
6.7.3 – UV Index
Below, we will discuss each of the maps in detail.
6.7.1 – Solar Radiation
These maps show the expected shortwave solar radiation, with the colors specified in the map legend. It represents the solar radiation received, which is why it is mostly equal to zero during the night (no sun). This map also provides an indication of cloud cover. The radiation is expressed in watts per square meter (W/m²).
The Solar Radiation map (Nº1) illustrates the different amounts of radiation, using different colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.7.1A below illustrates how the Solar Radiation map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.7.1A – Solar Radiation Map
Hovering the mouse over the map will display the different solar radiation values (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates available to check forecasts for the given region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the pre-set Zoom options bar (Nº6) located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.7.2 – Hours of Sunlight
The map shows how many hours of sunlight are expected for a given location on a given day. The number of hours of sunlight depends on cloud cover, the season of the year, and the geographical location of a place. In the northern polar regions, for example, there can be up to 24 hours of sunlight in the summer months, depending on cloud cover, while at the same time, there may not be a single hour of sunlight in the southern polar regions.
The Hours of Sunlight map (Nº1) illustrates the different amounts of daily sunlight hours, using different colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.7.2A below illustrates how the Hours of Sunlight map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.7.2A – Hours of Sunlight Map
Hovering the mouse over the map will display the different hours of sunlight values (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates available to check forecasts for the given region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the pre-set Zoom options bar (Nº 6) located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.7.3 – UV Index
The ultraviolet index (UV Index) is an international standard measure of the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a specific location on a given day.
The Ultraviolet Index map (Nº1) illustrates the different intensities of radiation, using different colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.7.3A below illustrates how the UV Index map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.7.3A – UV Index Map
Hovering the mouse over the map will display the different radiation intensity values (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the bottom left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates available to check forecasts for the given region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the pre-set Zoom options bar (Nº6) located in the upper right corner of the screen.