Modelling topographic variation of solar radiation using GIS

Abstract

Renewable energy is clean sources and has a much lower environmental impact as compare to other energy sources. Solar energy is one such renewable energy. The Estimation of solar energy potential of a region requires detailed solar radiation climatology. Also it is necessary to collect extensive radiation data of high accuracy covering all climatic zones of the region. The study area National University of Sciences and Technology is the one of the top ranked universities of Pakistan and has some limitations on the number of synoptic stations. Hence, the aim of this study is to determine the theoretical solar radiation potential in NUST by using Area Solar Radiation (ASR) model based on topography and geographical information systems. The ASR model was successfully applied with a core of practical methodology. The results show that NUST has very good solar potential with value of 15.57 KWH/m2 and 12.88 KWH/m2 as maximum and minimum respectively. The Area Solar Radiation model can also be used to calculate the insolation across an entire landscape. The ASR model is very efficient and time saving which offers means of entering, accessing, and interpreting the information for the purpose of sound decision making.