What Is The Difference Between UVA and UVB Radiation?

UV radiation is part of electromagnetic light spectrum from the suns rays. There are three classifications for ultra violet (UV) radiation including UVA, UVB and UVC types and are distinguished by the length of their wavelengths.

UVC is a short- wavelength completely filtered by the atmosphere.

The medium wavelength, UVB has most of the light filtered by the atmosphere.  These rays are more prevalent in the summer months, but are still able to reflect from snow or water and are dangerous in higher altitudes.

The long wavelength, UVA does reach the Earth’s surface and accounts for 95 percent of the UV radiation. UVA rays are constantly present during the day, no matter the season, weather and can even penetrate through glass.

Just as there are full spectrum sunscreens to protect aging skin and skin cancer, there is also a full spectrum solar solution, which captures the total spectrum of light from the sun. This is made possible by full-spectrum photovoltaic material that converts energy from far ultraviolet to near infrared. Other solar panels do not process the full spectrum and ultraviolet and infrared are wasted as heat. SunPower has harnessed this technology and Energy House is proud to provide our customers with the best solar solution on the market.

UVA and UVB Rays: What’s The Difference? Goddess Garden Organics. Available from URL:http://www.goddessgarden.com/blog/uva-and-uvb-rays-whats-the-difference/

Ultraviolet radiation and the intersun programme. World Health Organization. Available from URL:http://www.who.int/uv/faq/whatisuv/en/index2.html

Sunsense FAQ available from URL:http://www.sunsense.com.au/faqs/difference-uva-uvb-radiation/