Solar Energy Resources and Photovoltaic Power Potential of an Underutilised Region: A Case of Alice, South Africa

Abstract

Despite South Africa’s international recognition in solar energy investments, the country is struggling to meet its growing energy needs. In recent years, national blackouts and load shedding have been a recurring experience in the country. The high cost of electrification and the overstrained national grid have left several rural communities without access to electricity. This study aims to explore the solar energy resources and performance of a 3.8 kWp stand-alone residential photovoltaic (PV) power system in one of the underutilised regions in South Africa. The study mainly uses ground measured solar radiation data to evaluate the solar resources of Alice and compare them with those in other parts of the world with mega solar PV projects. The components of solar radiation considered are global horizontal irradiance (GHI), direct normal irradiance (DNI), and diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI). The average total daily GHI, DNI, and DHI of Alice were 4.98, 5.74, and 1.44 kWh/m2. Clear sky conditions were found to occur on 233 days in the monitoring year, resulting in an average total daily GHI of 6.13 kWh/m2, DNI of 6.73 kWh/m2 and DHI of 0.17 kWh/m2. The findings indicated that Alice possesses abundant solar resources for PV and concentrated solar power generation, and is comparable to other regions internationally.

Daylighting Assessment of a Heritage Place of Instruction and Office Building in Alice, South Africa

“…The corresponding total annual direct irradiation was 2083.51 kWh/m 2 , while diffuse and global irradiations were 456.40 kWh/m 2 and 1744.53 kWh/m 2 . The simulated seasonal solar radiation trend corresponds with Overen et al [35]. The author [35] adopted on-site solar radiation data over a year to evaluate the solar photovoltaic power potential of Alice town relative to the various components of solar radiation.…”

“…The simulated seasonal solar radiation trend corresponds with Overen et al [35]. The author [35] adopted on-site solar radiation data over a year to evaluate the solar photovoltaic power potential of Alice town relative to the various components of solar radiation. Furthermore, in South Africa, June to August is usually considered winter, while September to May serves as summer for scientific and energy performance reporting [36,37].…”