At the moment of the solar equinox, the Sun is directly above a point on the equ

Question

At the moment of the solar equinox, the Sun is directly above a point on the equator. Let’s call that

point A. Assume that one year, this point happens to be exactly due south (i.e. on the same meridian) from

Boston (which we’ll call point B). Assume that at that very moment, the sky is clear both at point A and

at point B. Identical solar panels are lying horizontally at both points; i.e. the one at A is perpendicular to

the Earth’s radius passing through A, and similarly for the one at B. By what percentage is the solar energy

flux through the solar panel at B smaller than the one through the solar panel at A? The latitude of Boston is

4221

Explanation / Answer

Answer:

As the solar energy flux would be 1367 w/m2 at the equator and at boston (4221) it would be 684 w/m2. Therefore, at point B (boston) it is about 50% smaller than point A(equator).

Percentage = (684/1367) * 100%= 50%

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