Development of a Systematic Method for the Prediction of Solar Radiation on Inclined Planes

Summary

A comprehensive report has been prepared on the prediction of monthly mean hourly and daily values of the irradiation on inclined planes using as the key inputs the observed monthly mean duration of bright sunshine, and a monthly value of the Linke Turbidity Factor selected to match the site characteristics. Five different types of site have been identified, industrial/large city, urban, clear, very clear maritime and very clear mountainous. The model derives the hourly values of the monthly mean irradiance on the basis of sunshine duration using suitable algorithms from the values produced by the clear day model and the overcast day model, so the one model produces the three key outputs needed for solar design. All algorithms used will be described in the final full report. A practical methodology for desk top calculator predictions has been developed with associated tables. Microcomputer programs have been developed. Tables for about 100 stations in the Community area for a new inclined plane atlas are being produced.