Estimation of Solar Radiation in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

The estimation of solar radiation in Minna (Latitude 09.330N and 11.360N) was carried out in this work. The temperature data were obtained from the 1st- 30th November, 2008 using the maximum and minimum thermometer placed in the Stevenson Screen at 1.5m. The Hargreaves equation was used to estimate the solar radiation in Minna. The mean global solar radiation obtained for the period is 3.63+ 0.5kWh per day. A comparison of the mean solar radiation results obtained in Minna and that obtained by Chiemeka(2008) at Uturu (05.330N, 7.40E) in October, 2007, Chineke (2007) at Umudike (5.29N,7.33E) in October, 1997and Chineke(2002) at Owerri (50281N,7021E) in October, 1997 was made. The results showed that the solar radiation in Minna is high. The difference may be attributed to the fact that Minna is bounded by a heat escarpment.