Utilization of meteosat satellite-derived radiation data for integration of autonomous photovoltaic solar energy systems in remote areas

Abstract

Due to the importance of the relief of Corsica, striking contrasts occur and turn a coastal Mediterranean climate on the littoral into an alpine one in the high mountains. Firstly, we demonstrate, computing a spatial correlogram, that for such countries it is not possible to deduce the solar irradiation received on any part of the island from the meteorological network. Consequently, satellites offer a good alternative for determining these solar data. We demonstrate a good accordance between daily solar irradiation values estimated from Meteosat satellite data and measured data on the considered sites. From the previous data of daily horizontal total irradiations, hourly total irradiations on tilted planes have been computed. These data have been used in an optimal sizing method of PV system, easily applicable to any site. So, for each site on the island of Corsica, we can determine the best adapted PV system, and we analyse differences between sizing characteristics according to the site of installation. Lastly, we have shown very good accordance between sizing results calculated, on the one hand, from measured irradiation hourly data and, on the other hand, from daily satellite images.