Analysis of Solar Radiation Data in Van, Turkey

Abstract

This work has processed, analyzed and regulated the data comprising surface temperature, sunshine duration and global solar radiation for the period of 1993 to 2007 in Van (38.28oN, 43.20oE).  Hourly, monthly and annual variations of solar radiation are calculated. Furthermore, the annual variations of sunshine duration, surface temperature and clearness index are also analyzed. Annual average maximum global solar radiation was seen in 2000 with 19.68 MJ/m2day and the trend of yearly series of global solar radiation increases from 1993 to 2007. The highest hourly and monthly values are 3260 kJ/m2h and 28.72 MJ/m2day, respectively. Besides, daily monthly and annual of clearness index, hourly frequency distribution and sunshine duration are discussed and the solar radiation and the annual clearness index are correlated. Consequently, the Van region has a high solar energy potential and a high frequency of clear daylight.