Accurate global solar radiation prediction is highly essential for related research on renewable energy sources. The cost implication and measurement expertise of global solar radiation emphasize that intelligence prediction models need to be applied. On the basis of long-term measured daily solar radiation data, this study uses a novel regularized online sequential extreme learning machine, integrated with variable forgetting factor (FOS-ELM), to predict global solar radiation at Bur Dedougou, in the Burkina Faso region. Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) is applied to build the seven input combinations based on speed (W speed ), maximum and minimum temperature (T max and T min ), maximum and minimum humidity (H max and H min ), evaporation (E o ) and vapor pressure deficiency (V PD ). For the difference input parameters magnitudes, seven models were developed and evaluated for the optimal input combination. Various statistical indicators were computed for the prediction accuracy examination. The experimental results of the applied FOS-ELM model demonstrated a reliable prediction accuracy against the classical extreme learning machine (ELM) model for daily global solar radiation simulation. In fact, compared to classical ELM, the FOS-ELM model reported an enhancement in the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) by (68.8-79.8%). In summary, the results clearly confirm the effectiveness of the FOS-ELM model, owing to the fixed internal tuning parameters. Energies 2018, 11, 3415 2 of 19Moreover, several studies have investigated the relationship of the energy level of several countries to their levels of development [2]. Consequently, the findings of these studies have reported a positive relationship of energy utilization with living standards. The level of energy usage in the developed nations is lower. Advanced countries are significantly consuming the energy, which greatly affects the levels of development in backward and developing countries [3].Since energy is the main factor that drives all developmental processes, its effect on human, crops, plants, animals, and ecosystems depends on the form of energy employed [4,5]. Studies have reported two forms of available energy on Earth (renewable and non-renewable energies) [6]. The method employed in harnessing and applying these forms of energy for human use is very important in the way they affect humankind and the immediate environment. The uncontrolled utilization of the nonrenewable form of energy has been linked to several factors such as climate change, global warming, environmental pollution, and other economic and environmental hazards. Similarly, the renewable form of energy, which is globally available at varying levels, ought to be given attention. This form of energy can be obtained from natural processes, and therefore posits minimal or zero impact on humans and their immediate environment.Renewable energy sources have attracted much research interest in the 21st century due to the discoveries of the impact of non-renewable en...
