Image: Solar spectrum en

Description: This figure shows the solar radiation spectrum for direct light at both the top of the Earth's atmosphere (represented by the area in yellow) and at sea level (area in red). The sun produces light with a distribution similar to what would be expected from a 5525 K (5250 °C) blackbody, which is approximately the sun's surface temperature. As light passes through the atmosphere, some is absorbed by gases with specific absorption bands. Additional light is redistributed by Rayleigh scattering, which is responsible for the atmosphere's blue color. These curves are based on NREL data for above the atmosphere and at sea level, which are standards adopted by the photovoltaics industry to ensure consistent test conditions and are similar to the light that could be expected in North America. Regions for ultraviolet, visible and infrared light are indicated.
Title: Solar spectrum en
Credit: This file has been extracted from another file
Author: Robert A. Rohde
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0
Attribution Required?: Yes