33.13. Solar Flux Calculator

The Solar Flux Calculator macro allows you to calculate the solar flux onto your model based on its orientation, its geographical position, and the time and date.

Figure 33.31: Solar Flux Calculator Panel

Solar Flux Calculator Panel

  1. From the Macros menu, select Modeling > Solar Flux Calculator.

  2. Under Surface Specification, select one of the following options:

    • Horizontal surface: Select to specify that the model will be flat on a horizontal surface.

    • Vertical surface tilt: Select to specify that the model will be at an incline and specify the angle.

  3. If you selected Vertical surface tilt, under Face direction specified by, select one of the following options:

    • Compass: Select to specify that the model is facing one of the cardinal directions.

    • Relative to South: Select and specify the degrees relative to the South direction the model is facing.

  4. Specify the Time.

  5. Specify the Date.

  6. Specify the Local Latitude.

  7. Specify the Local Longitude.

  8. Click Compute. The following data is displayed in the Message window:

    • Time of sunrise and sunset

    • The apparent solar time

    • Direct normal of solar irradiation flux

    • Direct component of solar irradiation flux

    • Diffuse irradiance (Ed)

    • Total short-wave irradiance (Et)