Abstract
Abstract. This paper addresses long-term historical changes in solar irradiance in West Africa (3 to 20∘ N and 20∘ W to 16∘ E) and the implications for photovoltaic systems. Here, we use satellite irradiance (Surface Solar Radiation Data Set – Heliosat, Edition 2.1 – SARAH-2.1) and temperature data from a reanalysis (ERA5) to derive photovoltaic yields. Based on 35 years of data (1983–2017), the temporal and regional variability as well as long-term trends in global and direct horizontal irradiance are analyzed. Furthermore, a detailed time series analysis is undertaken at four locations. According to the high spatial resolution SARAH-2.1 data record (0.05∘×0.05∘), solar irradiance is largest (up to a 300 W m−2 daily average) in the Sahara and the Sahel zone with a positive trend (up to 5 W m−2 per decade) and a lower temporal variability (<75 W m−2 between 1983 and 2017 for daily averages). In contrast, the solar irradiance is lower in southern West Africa (between 200 W m−2 and 250 W m−2) with a negative trend (up to −5 W m−2 per decade) and a higher temporal variability (up to 150 W m−2). The positive trend in the north is mostly connected to the dry season, whereas the negative trend in the south occurs during the wet season. Both trends show 95 % significance. Photovoltaic (PV) yields show a strong meridional gradient with the lowest values of around 4 kWh kWp−1 in southern West Africa and values of more than 5.5 kWh kWp−1 in the Sahara and Sahel zone.
Highlights
The United Nations proposed the Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future (United Nations, 2015)
This paper addresses long-term historical changes in solar irradiance in West Africa (3 to 20◦ N and 20◦ W to 16◦ E) and the implications for photovoltaic systems
The West African climate zones related to the albedo climatology have a higher albedo of up to 0.35 in the desert region in the north and a lower albedo of down to 0.1 in the forest region in the south
Summary
The United Nations proposed the Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future (United Nations, 2015). Geostationary satellites can deliver data at a temporal resolution of less than 1 h and at a high spatial resolution Using these data, potential PV yields can be calculated in order to select a profitable location and to analyze the long-term profitability and risks. Potential PV yields can be calculated in order to select a profitable location and to analyze the long-term profitability and risks Such data sets enable the analysis of the diurnal variability that needs to be taken into account for storage sizing and power system design. The central research question “How do longterm atmospheric variability and trends impact photovoltaic yields in West Africa?” is answered by analyzing the SARAH-2.1 data record for the region in question.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
