NRPB - W61 Solar Radiation Measurements at a Network of Seven Sites in the UK, January - December 2003

Synopsis

A summary of the results from January to December 2003 of a survey of solar radiation levels at the UK network of seven solar radiation measurement sites is presented. The network consists of three NRPB sites at Chilton, Leeds and Glasgow (monitoring since 1988), three Meteorological Office stations at Camborne, Kinloss and Lerwick (monitoring since 1993-95) and a new site, supported by a Welsh Assembly grant, operating for part of the year on the summit of Mount Snowdon. Visible (400-770 nm), ultraviolet UVA radiation (320-400 nm) and erythemally weighted ultraviolet radiation UVR eff (280-400 nm) have been measured simultaneously using a three-detector measurement system. Results are compared with calculated irradiances of ultraviolet radiation and published illuminance data, and with data for the measurement period from 1989 to 2002.

Last reviewed: 3 September 2009