Estimation of Global Solar Radiation for Four Selected Sites in Nepal Using Sunshine Hours, Temperature and Relative Humidity

Abstract

Rational and accurate solar energy databases, essential for designing, sizing and performing the solar energy systems in any part of the world, are not easily accessible in different localities of Nepal. In this study, daily global solar radiation, sunshine hours and meteorological data for Biratnagar, Kathmandu, Pokhara and Jumla have been used to derive the regression constants. The linear regression technique has been used to develop a model for Biratnagar, Kathmandu, Pokhara and Jumla. The model has calculated the global solar radiation for these locations. The values of global solar radiation estimated by the model are found to be in close agreement with measured values of respective sites. The estimated values were compared with Angstrom-Prescott model and examined using the root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), mean percentage error (MPE), coefficient of regression (R), coefficient of determinant (R 2) and correlation coefficient (CC) statistical techniques. Thus, the resultant correlations and linear regression relations may be then used for the locations of similar meteorological/geographical characteristics and also can be used to estimate the missing data of solar radiation for the respective site.