Solar Energy for Power Generation: A Review of Solar Radiation Measurement Processes and Global Solar Radiation Modelling Techniques

Abstract

Solar Energy is the cleanest and the most abundant renewable energy in the world. Solar radiation data are the most important resources needed for solar energy system design. Knowledge of the amount of available solar radiation in any location of interest is of prime importance to the solar energy design experts. This study examines the influence of atmospheric components on solar radiation passing through the earth’s atmosphere. The intensity of solar radiation is attenuated as it passes through the earth’s atmosphere. Also, methods of solar radiation measurement and the various empirical models for estimating global solar radiation in areas where such data are not available are presented. However, no method can be acclaimed to be the best as the performance of the models vary with location. Hybrid parameter based models have been reported to predict global solar radiation on horizontal surface with a high degree of accuracy in many locations in across the globe. Finally, two simulation tools for analysing solar power system were discussed. RETScreen software is majorly used for photovoltaic applications while HOMER includes additional renewable energy simulation features which make it suitable for analysing hybrid power system.