Solar Irradiance Variation with Humidity, Temperature and Wind Speed in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

Over some years now climatic change has become a serious global issue affecting lives of humans, species and our environment negatively. Scientific research efforts are geared toward possible solution to this. Meteorological data collation and analysis play a pivotal role in these research efforts. Solar irradiance variation with humidity, temperature and wind speed have been analyzed using data from Nigeria Environmental and Climatic Observation Programme (NECOP) station deployed at the grounds of Federal University of Technology Minna (latitude 09o37’N, longitude 06o32’E and 249 metres above sea level). The data which was recorded at five minutes intervals was averaged monthly for sunshine hours between 07.00 and 18.00 hours local time. Yearly variation of solar irradiance with relative humidity, temperature and wind speed for two year period are obtained. The variations follow seasonal variations and the results which reveal decreasing trend of solar irradiance within the period also show, on average, decrease in relative humidity, ambient temperature and wind speed.