Solar Energy Glossary

noun the radiant energy emitted by a surface per unit area in a given direction

• The irradiance of the sunlight reaching the Earth's surface varies depending on the time of day and location.
• The amount of sunlight hitting us changes throughout the day due to irradiance.
• The sun's brightness levels, or irradiance, can be pretty intense during the summer months.
• Her smile had an irradiance that brightened up the entire room.

noun the measure of a material's ability to absorb radiation, typically used in the context of solar energy

• The absorptance of the material was measured to determine its effectiveness in blocking out light.
• The absorptance of this fabric is really good at keeping the sun out.
• I heard this new sunscreen has a high absorptance level, so it's great for staying protected at the beach.
• His absorptance of new information was impressive, as he quickly grasped complex concepts.