Generation of solar irradiation maps for various applications under Algerian clear-sky conditions

ABSTRACTThe present study deals with drawing solar irradiation maps for Algeria using the r.sun solar clear-sky model. In addition to the mapping of beam and global solar irradiation, the district potentials for concentrating solar power designs, solar photovoltaic technologies and water heater systems are also assessed. The program was developed using C language. The developed program is in the position to calculate the different components of solar irradiation based on the r.sun model. To improve the accuracy of irradiation estimates, we have used one-arc-minute digital elevation model, in order to consider the topography and elevation effects associated with 1.85 km step Linke's turbidity maps as input to the program. The results reveal a high potential of solar irradiation over the entire Algerian territory, especially in the Saharan regions. Further, it was also found that the solar irradiation distribution was influenced by the topography and climatic conditions throughout the country.