Solar Resources: Global Distribution & Assessment
Explore where solar energy is most abundant. Understand irradiance patterns, seasonal variations, and the factors that determine solar resource quality.
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Section 2 of 5Understanding Solar Resources
Solar resource assessment is crucial for determining the economic viability and performance of photovoltaic systems. The amount of solar energy available at a location depends on several factors including latitude, climate, cloud cover, and atmospheric conditions. Global horizontal irradiance (GHI) measures the total solar radiation reaching Earth's surface.
Direct normal irradiance (DNI) is particularly important for concentrating solar power systems, while both DNI and diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) contribute to photovoltaic generation. Understanding these resource patterns helps optimize system design and predict energy production accurately.
Key Resource Metrics
- GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance): Total solar radiation on a horizontal surface
- DNI (Direct Normal Irradiance): Direct sunlight from the sun's disk
- DHI (Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance): Scattered sunlight from the sky
- Peak Sun Hours: Equivalent hours of full sunlight per day