Insolation in Poland

The average annual insolation in Poland is about 1000 kWh / m2.

The distribution of solar radiation is uneven in the annual cycle. About 80%
of the annual sunlight falls in the spring and summer period. (April-
September) Moreover, in each region there are periodic changes in insolation
caused by climatic phenomena, cloud cover or air pollution (e.g. by industry).
In Poland, the annual average amount of insolation is 1600 hours.

When considering the use of devices that use solar radiation, it is worth
starting with an analysis of the potential of solar energy resources in the
area of interest. In order to carry out this analysis and explore the subject
related to solar energy, you should read and use the basic quantities
describing solar radiation: Solar radiation intensity, i.e. the value of the
power density of solar radiation reaching per m2 of surface in one second.
This parameter is generally expressed in [W / m2]. The average intensity of
solar radiation reaching the atmosphere boundary is 1367 W / m2 and is called
the solar constant. Due to absorption and scattering in the atmosphere, only a
part of this radiation reaches the surface of our planet, then the radiation
intensity is about 1000 W / m2. Insolation, i.e. the sum of the intensity of
solar radiation per unit area over a period of time. This parameter determines
the energy resources at a given place and time, usually expressed in kWh / m2
per year. In Poland, the annual total insolation amounts to 990 kWh / m2 on
average. About 77% of the annual radiation energy is obtained in the summer
half-year, while only 23% in the winter half-year from October to April. The
months of June, July and August are the sunniest, where about 43% of annual
radiation is obtained.

Insolation in Tenerife

Tenerife is known in the world as the "Island of Eternal Spring", and it owes
this name mainly to the trade winds blowing in these latitudes. Blowing from
the north-east it creates the so-called "Sea of clouds" in the northern and
north-eastern part of the island at an altitude of 600 to 1500 m above sea
level.

Another factor influencing the temperate climate of the Canary Islands, which
lie on the same latitude as the Sahara desert, is the cold Canary Sea current
(although we believe that it is not so cold as we often bathed in the ocean
with our children in January and February).

Overall, the climate of Tenerife is temperate and mild throughout the year.
There are neither cold nor hot periods here. Average temperatures oscillate
between 17-18 ° C in winter and 24-25 ° C in summer. However, it must be
remembered that these are data calculated for the entire island, and we will
find very diverse climates there. Especially in the winter months, when on the
same day we can take advantage of the sun and sea baths on the southern
beaches, and at an altitude of 3000 m above sea level. admire the snow-capped
peak of Teide, where it snows every year.

Another example of climatic contrast is the cities of Santa Cruz and La Laguna
virtually merging with each other. In the former, the climate is mild and warm
throughout the year, and in the latter, it is cooler and more frequent with
rainfall.

The north and south of the island are also characterized by a different
climate, which is mainly caused by the giant Teide volcano (3718 m above sea
level). 73% of precipitation on the island is recorded from the north, where
there is also greater relative humidity and less sunshine. In general, it is
difficult to find a place in the north of the island where the annual rainfall
would not exceed 250 mm (in Poland it is 600 mm), while in the south the
rainfall is significantly lower (but for unknown reasons it is difficult to
find specific data on this subject).

An interesting phenomenon in the Canary Islands is also the so-called calima

(pronounced kalima), which is the result of the sirocco blowing periodically
from the Sahara desert. It carries dust and sand particles, which sometimes
become very dense and can persist for several days.

As a curiosity, it can be added that European doctors in the nineteenth

century, especially English and Dutch, praised the climate of Tenerife and
recommended it to their patients as a means of alleviating age-related
ailments and the cardiovascular system.