The Solar Radiation Group is focused on the accurate measurement and interpretation of measurements of solar and infrared radiation. The data collected include broadband and spectrally resolved ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared radiation measurements and broadband terrestrial infrared radiation measurements.

Basic research in these areas is concerned with improving models of radiation transfer within the atmosphere through comparisons of models and accurate measurements.
These models are used to predict the effects of climate change and must be validated in order to provide a basis for policy decisions. Applied research includes improving our knowledge of the available energy for solar energy production, for example, photovoltaic cell electricity generation.

We have developed the rotating shadowband radiometer and two spectral variants of it, a 7-filter and one spectrometer version, for widespread measurement of direct solar beam and scattered solar irradiance. The ultraviolet measurements are sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture whose concern is the effects of changing ozone levels on the biosphere.