The success of these technologies hinges on the amount of solar radiation available, which varies depending on climate, geography and atmospheric conditions. Solar radiation data helps determine which technologies are most appropriate at a given location. SRRL is one of the four longest running solar radiation monitoring stations in the U.S. Solar radiation data plays a vital role for policy makers and industry and scientific researchers who need precise resource information to maximize the efficiency and minimize the cost of the development and use of technologies that capture the sun's energy. At SRRL, researchers also help the utility industry select low-cost radiation measurement systems. The laboratory serves as the U.S. hub for maintaining and transferring international radiometer standards to many government, industry and academic laboratories.
Radiometers are instruments used to measure the intensity of radiant energy.
These measurements must be traceable to international standards when used for solar energy applications and climate change research. SRRL's ground-based measurements also are used for validating satellite remote sensing techniques. The lab's solar radiation resource measurement systems are used around the world. A new 2,600 square-foot laboratory building will soon replace the existing facility. The new building will house five laboratories supporting optical, electronic and metrology functions associated with radiometry.