A Review on Solar Radiation Assessment and Forecasting in Algeria (Part 1: Solar Radiation Assessment)

Solar energy takes a prime place in the energetic transition towards renewable energies. Solar radiation data plays a major role in the expansion of this energy. However, the unavailability of these data due to the reduced number of meteorological stations has imposed the use of various solar radiation estimation and prediction models. Moreover, the geostrategic location of Algeria, its enormous area and its huge solar potential places it among the promising solar energy countries. The main objective of this part is to review the studies done upon estimation and assessment of solar radiation for Algerian sites. Different techniques are proposed including semi-empirical models, satellite imaging and solar maps. The study shows that semi-empirical models have been the most widely used due to the unavailability of solar data.