Defined term

Solar irradiance

Solar irradiance is solar power incident on a surface per unit area at a particular time.

Also known as solar irradiance at the array

measurement · Concept code GS-CONCEPT-032 · Last verified August 20, 2026

Evidence through 2025-09-25 · 0 sources have no source-event date

Content modified 2026-08-20

Definition and boundaries

Definition

Solar irradiance is solar power incident on a surface per unit area at a particular time.

Definition claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026

In plain language

When comparing Solar irradiance, keep the unit, time period, measurement boundary, and underlying assumptions the same on both sides.

What it is not

It is not energy accumulated over a day or year and it is not photovoltaic electrical output.

Decision context

Why it matters

A production model needs the relevant weather data and plane or surface definition rather than a generic statement that a location is sunny.

Decision-context claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026

Information boundary

This page provides general educational context, not a site design, production guarantee, utility determination, contract interpretation, legal opinion, tax conclusion, or individualized financial advice. Verify property, equipment, utility, jurisdiction, program, and agreement details before acting.

Selector-derived public graph

Learning navigation

Primary topic: Performance

Broader topic

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Builds toward

  • Peak sun hoursPublished concept
Continue with Peak sun hoursSummarize irradiance as peak sun hours.

Primary sources

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