Solar Resources Mapping

This book presents methods for optimising the spatial and network configuration of solar radiation measuring stations. Various physical and mathematical models are demonstrated, which together with high quality measurements, provide the essential tools to generate and validate solar resource estimates to improve the mapping of solar resources. Each chapter deals with a specific topic, showing its methodology, and providing examples of how to apply these techniques with reference to current projects around the world. These topics include: · Radiometric measurement campaigns;· Equipment calibration, installation, operation, and maintenance;· Data quality assurance and assessment;· Solar radiation modelling from satellite images and numerical models;· Downscaling and kriging interpolation of solar radiation;· Simulation of electric solar power plant generation;· Solar radiation forecasting;· Applications of solar energy; and· Socio-economic benefits of solar energy. The contributors present the statistical and physical models needed to derive solar radiation from satellite images and numerical models, emphasising the importance of measuring solar radiation accurately. They also show the classical models used to generate synthetic data, clear sky models and ancillary air quality and meteorological data from different input sources. Solar Resources Mapping provides industry professionals with methodologies and tools to build solar irradiance maps for different applications. The book will also benefit students and researchers as it serves as a main technical reference, presenting the basic terminology and fundamentals for solar resource mapping that include methods for assessing measurement uncertainty.

Maps that provide monthly average daily total solar resource information on grid cells of approximately 40 km by 40 km in size.

The political push to increase power generation from renewable sources such as solar energy requires knowing the best places to site new solar power plants with respect to the applicable regulatory, operational, engineering, environmental, and socioeconomic criteria. Therefore, in this paper, we present applications of remote sensing data for mapping suitability areas for concentrated solar power plants. Our approach uses digital elevation model derived from NASA s Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) at a resolution of 3 arc second (approx. 90m resolution) for estimating global solar radiation for the study area. Then, we develop a computational model built on a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform that divides the study area into a grid of cells and estimates site suitability value for each cell by computing a list of metrics based on applicable siting requirements using GIS data. The computed metrics include population density, solar energy potential, federal lands, and hazardous facilities. Overall, some 30 GIS data are used to compute eight metrics. The site suitability value for each cell is computed as an algebraic sum of all metrics for the cell with the assumption that all metrics have equal weight. Finally, we color each cell according to its suitability value. We present results for concentrated solar power that drives a stream turbine and parabolic mirror connected to a Stirling Engine.

This book provides a comprehensive guide on how geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to optimize solar energy resources. A collection of the latest cutting-edge research is presented which seeks to address the most pressing issues faced by policymakers regarding the planning and exploitation of solar energy. Scientifically robust models are developed to guide researchers on identifying optimum sites for the implementation of solar energy projects. Each methodology presented is accompanied by global case studies, ranging from the small islands of Hawaii and Mauritius to larger countries such as India and Spain. This book is primarily targeted to researchers aspiring to unveil and optimize the solar resource potential of their countries for the benefit of a wider audience, ranging from architects, agro-industrialists, climatologists, and energy experts.

This atlas is a revised and updated version of the European Solar Radiation Atlas published in 1984. The revised version contains tables and maps displaying monthly means of global, diffuse and beam solar radiation as well as sunhours for a large number of represenative sites in Europe. Tables show radiation on both horizontal and inclined surfaces. The revisions reflect the political developments in the European Union and within neighbouring countries. The presentation of the tables has been improved and additional information is included. An enlarged text section provides an introduction to the systematics of solar radiation measurement and calculation. The solar data presented in this book is a useful source of information for the estimation of the energy harvest potential for solar systems. The data base is provided on two 3 1/2" disks for more ease in computer assisted design work.