Solar and/or net radiation data are used:

• to determine atmospheric stability,
• for calculating various surface-layer parameters used in dispersion modeling,
• for estimating convective (daytime) mixing heights, and
• for modeling photochemical reactions.

Solar radiation refers to the electromagnetic energy in the solar spectrum (0.10 to 4.0 μm wavelength)

Pyranometers are a class of instruments used for measuring energy fluxes in the solar spectrum. These instruments are configured to measure what is referred to as global solar radiation; i.e., direct plus diffuse (scattered) solar radiation incidence on a horizontal surface. The sensing element of the typical pyranometer is protected by a clear glass dome which both protects the sensing element, and functions as a filter preventing entry of energy outside the solar spectrum (i.e., long-wave radiation). The glass domes used on typical pyranometers are transparent to wavelengths in the range of 0.28 to 2.8 μm.