Solar Radiation Data for the State of Jalisco and Guadalajara Metropolitan Zone, Mexico

Abstract

Energy development plans involving the use of solar energy are very beneficial from an environmental perspective. Its impacts are specific to geographic location; taking advantage of the solar energy potential basically depends on reliable estimates of the climatological amount of solar radiation received at the surface, which is a complex function of meteorological and environmental factors. Obtaining solar radiation data is essential for local development, to characterize them, there are several cutting-edge methods and technologies. One of them is the use of satellite images with high resolution. The aim of this paper is to assess the climatological aspects of incoming solar radiation in clear sky conditions in the State of Jalisco, Mexico and Guadalajara Metropolitan Zone. The results are intended to stimulate the use of solar radiation as an alternative energy source in an area where heavily relying on fossil fuel combustion.