ESTIMATING GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION FROM TEMPERATURE DATA IN MINNA LOCATION

Abstract

Information on the availability of solar radiation at a location is an important factor in selecting suitable solar energy system and devices for various applications. Maximum and minimum temperature data measured in Minna (09.65°N, 06.47°E), Niger state, for a period of thirteen years (2000 – 2012), were used to establish Angstrom-type regression equations (models) for estimating the global solar radiation received on a horizontal surface in Minna. The results of the correlation were also tested for error using statistical test methods of the mean bias error, MBE, root mean square error, RMSE, and mean percentage error, MPE, to assess the performance of the models. It was observed that temperature data could be used to estimate, (to a very reasonable accuracy), the total solar radiation incident on a location.