Abstract
Solar radiation is an important energy source needed by the Earth and its inhabitants. Solar radiation is divided into three components: direct beam solar radiation (BSR), diffuse solar radiation (DSR), and global solar radiation (GSR). The solar flux received at different locations on Earth depends on geographic coordinates, particularly latitude and longitude, as well as the reference meridian used for solar time calculations. In this study, we developed a solar radiation simulator in a spreadsheet incorporating spin buttons. The simulator can simulate all three types of solar radiation. The spin buttons control and vary the values of latitude and longitude until the simulated values closely match the recorded values. Direct solar radiation measurements were obtained from the Pakistan Meteorological Department for validation, and the simulator successfully generated comparable results. This approach provides a practical and low-cost tool for researchers, educators, and practitioners to analyze solar radiation patterns and support solar energy planning.
Recommended Citation
Idrees, Atif; Sadiq, Naeem; and Hassan, Syed A.
(2026)
"Determination of Latitude and Longitude using Solar Radiation Simulation,"
Makara Journal of Science: Vol. 30:
Iss.
2, Article 3.
DOI: 10.7454/mss.v30i2.2396
Available at:
https://scholarhub.ui.ac.id/science/vol30/iss2/3
