Applying Solar Resource Data to Solar Energy Projects

As discussed in previous chapters, solar resource evaluation covers a wide range of topics and applications. Most of these applications are related to projects involving solar radiation energy conversion. In what follows, these are referred to as “solar energy projects” and include electricity production applications (photovoltaics, solar thermal electricity), solar heating applications (central solar heating for district heating, local domestic heating and cooling), water and air applications (disinfection, desalination, decontamination), and energy conservation (for building applications). The overall goal in applying solar resource data to solar energy projects is to help the project developer or investor identify the best estimates or methodology to get the optimal solar resource and weather information to address each one of the project stages. Hence, this chapter summarizes all available information as well as guidance on the type of solar resource relevant to each of these stages. In addition, some information about how to generate data sets for energy simulations is also provided. Details on project stages are developed more thoroughly in Sections 2–5, corresponding to what is shown in Figure 8-2. In Section 6, special needs of solar resource data for different types of solar projects are included. Finally, Section 7 provides a summary for further reference.