Renewable Energy Practice Test: Solar Energy Radiation Spectrums — Flashcards

The solar spectrum is the range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. It extends from the ultraviolet to the infrared region and is made up of photons with different wavelengths. The spectrum's shape and intensity are defined by these wavelengths. 

The solar spectrum is mainly made up of:
Ultraviolet light (280–400 nm)
Visible light (400–700 nm)
Near infrared radiation (NIR) light (700–2500 nm) 

Of the light that reaches the Earth's surface, infrared radiation makes up 49.4%, while visible light provides 42.3%. Ultraviolet radiation makes up just over 8% of the total solar radiation. 
Solar radiation can be captured and turned into useful forms of energy, such as heat and electricity, using a variety of technologies.