Estimation of Surface Insolation Using Sun-Synchronous Satellite Data

Wayne L. Darnell Atmospheric Sciences Division, NASA Langley Research Center. Hampton, Virginia

Search for other papers by Wayne L. Darnell in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
W. Frank Staylor Atmospheric Sciences Division, NASA Langley Research Center. Hampton, Virginia

Search for other papers by W. Frank Staylor in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Shashi K. Gupta PRC Kmtron Inc., Hampton, Virginia

Search for other papers by Shashi K. Gupta in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Frank M. Denn PRC Kmtron Inc., Hampton, Virginia

Search for other papers by Frank M. Denn in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

Abstract

A technique is presented for estimating insulation at the Earth's surface using only sun-synchronous satellite data. The technique was tested by comparing the insolation results from year-long satellite datasets with simultaneous ground-measured insolation taken at five continental United States sites Monthly average insolation values derived from the satellite data showed a standard error of 4.2 W m−2, or 2.7% of the average ground insulation value.

Abstract

A technique is presented for estimating insulation at the Earth's surface using only sun-synchronous satellite data. The technique was tested by comparing the insolation results from year-long satellite datasets with simultaneous ground-measured insolation taken at five continental United States sites Monthly average insolation values derived from the satellite data showed a standard error of 4.2 W m−2, or 2.7% of the average ground insulation value.

Save