The SMARTS spectral irradiance model after 25 years: New developments and validation of reference spectra

Local Tilt Optimization of Photovoltaic Solar Panels for Maximum Radiation Absorption

“…Thus, the calculation of spectral irradiance and solar irradiation at the tilted surface is required. For this purpose, the solar spectrum needs to be simulated using an atmospheric radiative transfer model [14][15][16].…”

“…Some solar spectrum modeling at the Earth's surface exists in the literature for semiquantitative applications [17,18]. In this paper, we propose using a well-known model in the literature, called the Simple Model of the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer of Sunshine, Version 2 (SMARTS2) [14][15][16]. This model uses solar spectral irradiance data collected by satellites as a primary data source.…”

“…This model proved to be precise and accurate when compared with proprietary and sophisticated models [19], as well as other methods in the literature [20,21]. The curves presented in Figure 3 were obtained using the SMARTS2 spectral radiation model [14][15][16].…”

“…Thus, using this technique adds a novelty to the PV field. [14][15][16] software that models the solar spectrum in the Earth's atmosphere use the FORTRAN programming language, which is still widely adopted in the scientific community, although nowadays, there are other programming languages that offer more flexibility. Nonetheless, the SMARTS2 [14][15][16] codes are only available in FORTRAN.…”

“…As pointed out by these authors [13], in most studies, direct and ground-reflected components of global irradiance were computed by using simplified models [13]. The diffuse component, by its nature, is more complicated and needs more sophisticated models [14][15][16]. Moreover, most studies in the literature [13] are for Northern hemisphere sites and use measured solar irradiation and/or use hybrid experimental/theoretical methods.…”