How does the angle of incidence affect solar radiation?

The angle of incidence, or the angle at which solar radiation hits the Earth’s surface, significantly impacts the amount of energy available. When the sun is directly overhead, the angle of incidence is near 90 degrees, resulting in maximum energy input. As the sun moves towards the horizon, the angle of incidence decreases, reducing the energy input. This is why solar energy systems are typically designed to track the sun’s movement to maximize energy output. Understanding the effects of angle of incidence is crucial for optimizing solar energy system performance and predicting energy output.