Study and Analysis of Solar Radiation Models

Abstract

In this paper, we have reviewed various models from 2001-2014 to find out the most suitable models for the estimation of daily diffuse solar radiation data on horizontal surface. Since, these models were developed using different parameters such as clearness index, sunshine fraction, ambient temperature, humidity, atmospheric water vapor content, etc. Therefore, we have grouped models on the basis of clearness index, sunshine fraction, clearness index and sunshine fraction based models, models from other parameters, and models from extraterrestrial radiation. Further, groups are classified into linear and non-linear correlations to select the appropriate models. The performance of models have been graphically as well as statistically analyzed by four prominent locations viz. Jodhpur (26.280 N, 73.020 E), Ahmedabad (23.030 N, 72.580 E), Kolkata (22.560 N, 88.360 E) and Mumbai (18.970 N, 72.820 E) which represent the varying weather conditions of India. Finally, selected models from various groups compared with the measured data for Mumbai to find the most suitable models for the estimation of diffuse solar radiation data on horizontal surface for Indian locations.