Solar Energy in M’Sila (Algerian Province)

Abstract

An accurate knowledge of solar radiation data for a given location is required for any project aimed at exploiting solar energy. The present paper evaluates the solar energy potential of M’Sila, (internal region of Algeria). This assessment is made based on data collected at the M’Sila weather station for 365 days by 5-minute intervals. The study site is located at a latitude of $35^{\circ}42$`07``, longitude of $4^{\circ}32$`43`` and an altitude of 441 m above the sea level. The maximum radiation received in M’Sila during the day does not occur at a fixed time during the year. It fluctuates around an average value of 11:40. This maximum radiation was recorded between 9:14 and 13:59. The representative days of the radiation reaching the ground of M’Sila are different from those relating to extra-terrestrial radiation. They vary from year to year. The month of July is the sunniest month in M’Sila with a total insolation of 790.14 MJ/m2. The month of December is the least sunny month with a total insolation of 242.52 MJ/m2. M’Sila receives a total solar energy of 6316.42 MJ/m2 per year. That means an average insolation of 526.37MJ/m2 per month and 17.31 MJ/m2 per day. M’Sila has an important solar energy potential that deserves to be exploited.