Comparison of Ground-Based Global Horizontal Irradiance and Direct Normal Irradiance with Satellite-Based SUNY Model

Abstract

Since the fossil reserves are depleting day by day, the trend of modern energy sector is going towards renewable energy. The demand of solar power plants is therefore at the peak nowadays across the globe. However, the construction of these plants is extremely dependent on feasibility study to estimate the real solar potential before installing it in any region. To evaluate the solar energy potential of Peshawar region in Pakistan, Ground-based global horizontal irradiance (GHI) and direct normal irradiance (DNI) were compared with satellite-based model SUNY. Ground measurements were done at the University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar (UET Peshawar) with the help of pyranometer and shadowband irradiometer. Comparison of the data showed that there was a maximum difference of 42.90% in ground and satellite-based GHI in the month of December. Minimum difference in GHI was found for the month of March that was −3.83%. Moreover, ground-based GHI was overestimated in the month of February, March, and April, while in rest of the months, satellite values of GHI exceeded the ground measurements. Similarly, maximum difference of 55.86% was found in the month of November between ground and satellite-based DNI while minimum difference of −3.34% was seen in DNI in the month of March between the two data. Furthermore, satellite-based DNI was underestimated in the months of February, March, and April while in rest of the months it was overestimated compared to ground measurements. In addition to this, correlation of ground and satellite-based GHI and DNI showed R2 value of 0.8852 and 0.4139, respectively. The results of this study revealed that the difference between ground measurements and satellite values was considerable and hence real time measurements are necessary to properly estimate solar energy resource in the country.

Comparative Analysis of Ground-Based Solar Irradiance Measurements and Copernicus Satellite Observations

“…Several studies related to the statistical comparison between ground solar irradiance and satellite models were proposed in the last few years. In [21,22], the authors performed a comparison between ground-based monthly GHI and DNI with the satellite-based model SUNY. Ground-based stations are located at the University of Engineering and Technology of Peshawar (Pakistan).…”

Solar Energy Data Analysis & Predictive Modeling: A Case Study on Open Data of Saudi Arabian Solar Energy

“…In [4] a novel model called the SUNY model is proposed. It is a valuable tool for estimating solar irradiance.…”

“…2 of 19 humidity have an impact on photovoltaic cell efficiency [4]. In this research, the effect of these variables on GHI is quantified through an analysis of Saudi Arabia's Open Data project, which will allow for more precise projections of solar power generation.…”

Heat Transfer and Heat Recovery Systems

“…However, the construction of these plants requires a feasibility study to estimate the solar potential in a particular region. Ayaz et al [10] compared ground-based measurements of global horizontal irradiance (GHI) and direct normal irradiance (DNI) in Peshawar, Pakistan, with satellite-based model SUNY. The data revealed a significant difference between the two, with maximum differences of 42.90% for GHI and 55.86% for DNI.…”