The Toolkit outlines best practice techniques for assessing solar resource potentials as a foundation for a solar resource assessment. Solar resource assessment is indispensable in estimating the solar potential in a given location, the social and environmental impacts accompanying the resources exploitation and the economic viability of solar utilization scenarios.
The scope of the Toolkit covers:
- Governing principles of solar energy
- Measuring Solar Irradiation
- Parameters for choice of optimal measurement station
- Data acquisition and quality control
- Solar radiation modelling – satellite-based models
- Applying solar resource data to solar energy projects
- Forecasting Solar Irradiation
- Best practices in on-site monitoring programmes
Solar energy is obtainable in abundance in most parts of the world, even in the NPA remit. As seen in the solar irradiation map above, the NPA Region’s average sum of solar irradiation is well below most parts of Europe. However, during the summer period, the countries based in the NPA region get around 17 to 19 hours of daylight and those in the Arctic Circle get 24 hours. Solar PV requires daylight (solar irradiation), rather than sunshine and high temperatures, which makes it a viable technology choice for businesses in the NPA region.
Details of the Resource Assessment Toolkit for Biomass Energy may be downloaded here: