International Peer-Reviewed JournalOpen AccessISSN 2456-8880
irejournals@gmail.com+91-7433024337

Home / Current Issue / Paper 1711332

1711332 Vol 2 · Issue 5 Download Paper

Statistical Model for Estimating Daily Solar Radiation for Renewable Energy Planning

Olushola Damilare Odejobi Kabir Sholagberu Ahmed

Subject area: Physical Sciences and Environment  ·  Area of research: Solar Energy

Abstract

Accurate estimation of daily solar radiation is a critical requirement for renewable energy planning, particularly in the design, optimization, and forecasting of photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems. Direct measurements of solar radiation, although precise, are often limited due to the high cost and uneven distribution of pyranometer networks, especially in developing regions. To address this challenge, statistical models have emerged as practical and cost-effective alternatives, leveraging meteorological and climatological parameters to predict daily global solar radiation with acceptable accuracy. The proposed statistical model integrates classical regression approaches with advanced time-series and hybrid machine learning methods to estimate daily solar radiation. Predictor variables such as sunshine duration, maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity, and cloud cover are incorporated, while satellite-based datasets serve to complement ground-based observations where station coverage is sparse. The model calibration process involves partitioning datasets into training and validation subsets, followed by cross-validation to enhance robustness and reduce overfitting. Performance evaluation is conducted using metrics such as root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and the coefficient of determination (R?), enabling comparative analysis across different modeling approaches. The applicability of the model extends to multiple dimensions of renewable energy planning, including solar PV system sizing, grid integration forecasting, and regional energy resource mapping. By providing reliable radiation estimates, the model supports more accurate energy yield predictions, reduces uncertainties in investment decisions, and enhances the operational efficiency of renewable energy infrastructures. Strategically, such modeling frameworks contribute to accelerating the global energy transition by improving planning capabilities, supporting climate-responsive policy frameworks, and fostering sustainable deployment of solar resources. Future work envisions the integration of big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and artificial intelligence to achieve real-time, adaptive solar radiation forecasting.

Keywords

Statistical Modeling, Solar Radiation Estimation, Renewable Energy Planning, Solar Energy Forecasting, Time Series Analysis, Regression Models, Stochastic Modeling, Climate Data Analysis, Irradiance Measurement, Atmospheric Variables, Solar Resource Assessment, Weather Variability, Predictive Analytics

References

[1] Aguiar, L.M., Pereira, B., Lauret, P., Díaz, F. and David, M., 2016. Combining solar irradiance measurements, satellite-derived data and a numerical weather prediction model to improve intra-day solar forecasting. Renewable Energy, 97, pp.599-610.

[2] Alshuwaikhat, H.M. and Mohammed, I., 2017. Sustainability matters in national development visions—Evidence from Saudi Arabia’s Vision for 2030. Sustainability, 9(3), p.408.

[3] Austin, P.C., van Klaveren, D., Vergouwe, Y., Nieboer, D., Lee, D.S. and Steyerberg, E.W., 2016. Geographic and temporal validity of prediction models: different approaches were useful to examine model performance. Journal of clinical epidemiology, 79, pp.76-85.

[4] Beier, J., Thiede, S. and Herrmann, C., 2017. Energy flexibility of manufacturing systems for variable renewable energy supply integration: Real-time control method and simulation. Journal of cleaner production, 141, pp.648-661.

[5] Botterud, A., 2017. Forecasting renewable energy for grid operations. In Renewable Energy Integration (pp. 133-143). Academic Press.

[6] Breyer, C., Bogdanov, D., Gulagi, A., Aghahosseini, A., Barbosa, L.S., Koskinen, O., Barasa, M., Caldera, U., Afanasyeva, S., Child, M. and Farfan, J., 2017. On the role of solar photovoltaics in global energy transition scenarios. Progress in photovoltaics: research and applications, 25(8), pp.727-745.

[7] Budgaga, W., Malensek, M., Pallickara, S., Harvey, N., Breidt, F.J. and Pallickara, S., 2016. Predictive analytics using statistical, learning, and ensemble methods to support real-time exploration of discrete event simulations. Future Generation Computer Systems, 56, pp.360-374.

[8] Ceppi, P., Brient, F., Zelinka, M.D. and Hartmann, D.L., 2017. Cloud feedback mechanisms and their representation in global climate models. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 8(4), p.e465.

[9] Cermak, J., Nadezhdina, N., Trcala, M. and Simon, J., 2015. Open field-applicable instrumental methods for structural and functional assessment of whole trees and stands. Iforest-Biogeosciences and Forestry, 8(3), p.226.

[10] Chabane, F., Moummi, N. and Brima, A., 2016. Predictions of solar radiation distribution: Global, direct and diffuse light on horizontal surface. The European Physical Journal Plus, 131(4), p.106.

[11] Chen, M., Challita, U., Saad, W., Yin, C. and Debbah, M., 2017. Machine learning for wireless networks with artificial intelligence: A tutorial on neural networks. arXiv preprint arXiv:1710.02913, 9.

[12] Cole, W., Frew, B., Mai, T., Sun, Y., Bistline, J., Blanford, G., Young, D., Marcy, C., Namovicz, C., Edelman, R. and Meroney, B., 2017. Variable renewable energy in long-term planning models: a multi-model perspective (No. NREL/TP-6A20-70528). National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States).

[13] Cui, C., Wu, T., Hu, M., Weir, J.D. and Li, X., 2016. Short-term building energy model recommendation system: A meta-learning approach. Applied energy, 172, pp.251-263.

[14] Debray, T.P., Vergouwe, Y., Koffijberg, H., Nieboer, D., Steyerberg, E.W. and Moons, K.G., 2015. A new framework to enhance the interpretation of external validation studies of clinical prediction models. Journal of clinical epidemiology, 68(3), pp.279-289.

[15] Delerce, S., Dorado, H., Grillon, A., Rebolledo, M.C., Prager, S.D., Patiño, V.H., Garces Varon, G. and Jiménez, D., 2016. Assessing weather-yield relationships in rice at local scale using data mining approaches. PloS one, 11(8), p.e0161620.

[16] Eggimann, S., Mutzner, L., Wani, O., Schneider, M.Y., Spuhler, D., Moy de Vitry, M., Beutler, P. and Maurer, M., 2017. The potential of knowing more: A review of data-driven urban water management. Environmental science & technology, 51(5), pp.2538-2553.

[17] Fang, T. and Lahdelma, R., 2016. Evaluation of a multiple linear regression model and SARIMA model in forecasting heat demand for district heating system. Applied energy, 179, pp.544-552.

[18] Fortuna, L., Nunnari, G. and Nunnari, S., 2016. Nonlinear modeling of solar radiation and wind speed time series (Vol. 10). Berlin, Germany:: Springer.

[19] Fridrich, M., 2017. Hyperparameter optimization of artificial neural network in customer churn prediction using genetic algorithm. Trendy Ekonomiky a Managementu, 11(28), p.9.

[20] Gagnon, P., Margolis, R., Melius, J., Phillips, C. and Elmore, R., 2016. Rooftop solar photovoltaic technical potential in the United States. A detailed assessment (No. NREL/TP-6A20-65298). National Renewable Energy Lab.(NREL), Golden, CO (United States).

[21] Gan, M., Philip Chen, C.L., Chen, L. and Zhang, C.Y., 2016. Exploiting the interpretability and forecasting ability of the RBF-AR model for nonlinear time series. International Journal of Systems Science, 47(8), pp.1868-1876.

[22] Goss, B., Cole, I.R., Koubli, E., Palmer, D., Betts, T.R. and Gottschalg, R., 2017. Modelling and prediction of PV module energy yield. In The Performance of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems (pp. 103-132). Woodhead Publishing.

[23] Graabak, I. and Korpås, M., 2016. Variability characteristics of European wind and solar power resources—A review. Energies, 9(6), p.449.

[24] Grêt-Regamey, A., Altwegg, J., Sirén, E.A., Van Strien, M.J. and Weibel, B., 2017. Integrating ecosystem services into spatial planning—A spatial decision support tool. Landscape and Urban Planning, 165, pp.206-219.

[25] Guichard, F. and Couvreux, F., 2017. A short review of numerical cloud-resolving models. Tellus A: Dynamic Meteorology and Oceanography, 69(1), p.1373578.

[26] Hasanuzzaman, M., Zubir, U.S., Ilham, N.I. and Seng Che, H., 2017. Global electricity demand, generation, grid system, and renewable energy polices: a review. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, 6(3), p.e222.

[27] Hassan, M.A., Khalil, A., Kaseb, S. and Kassem, M.A., 2017. Exploring the potential of tree-based ensemble methods in solar radiation modeling. Applied Energy, 203, pp.897-916.

[28] Haupt, S.E. and Kosovic, B., 2015, December. Big data and machine learning for applied weather forecasts: Forecasting solar power for utility operations. In 2015 IEEE Symposium Series on Computational Intelligence (pp. 496-501). IEEE.

[29] Haupt, S.E. and Kosovic, B., 2015, December. Big data and machine learning for applied weather forecasts: Forecasting solar power for utility operations. In 2015 IEEE Symposium Series on Computational Intelligence (pp. 496-501). IEEE.

[30] Haupt, S.E., Kosovic, B., Jensen, T., Lee, J., Jimenez, P., Lazo, J., Cowie, J., McCandless, T., Pearson, J., Weiner, G. and Alessandrini, S., 2016. The SunCast solar-power forecasting system: the results of the public-private-academic partnership to advance solar power forecasting. National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Boulder (CO): Research Applications Laboratory, Weather Systems and Assessment Program (US).

[31] Kirby, P. and O’Mahony, T., 2017. The political economy of the low-carbon transition: Pathways beyond techno-optimism. Springer.

[32] Koutsoukas, A., Monaghan, K.J., Li, X. and Huan, J., 2017. Deep-learning: investigating deep neural networks hyper-parameters and comparison of performance to shallow methods for modeling bioactivity data. Journal of cheminformatics, 9(1), p.42.

[33] Krakovna, V., 2016. Building interpretable models: From Bayesian networks to neural networks.

[34] Kumar, K.P. and Saravanan, B., 2017. Recent techniques to model uncertainties in power generation from renewable energy sources and loads in microgrids–A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 71, pp.348-358.

[35] Laanaya, F., St-Hilaire, A. and Gloaguen, E., 2017. Water temperature modelling: comparison between the generalized additive model, logistic, residuals regression and linear regression models. Hydrological sciences journal, 62(7), pp.1078-1093.

[36] Lau, C.Y., Gan, C.K., Baharin, K.A. and Sulaima, M.F., 2015. A review on the impacts of passing-clouds on distribution network connected with solar photovoltaic system. International Review of Electrical Engineering (IREE), 10(3), pp.449-457.

[37] Madakam, S. and Ramaswamy, R., 2015, February. 100 New smart cities (India's smart vision). In 2015 5th National Symposium on information technology: towards new smart world (NSITNSW) (pp. 1-6). IEEE.

[38] Manara, V., Beltrano, M.C., Brunetti, M., Maugeri, M., Sanchez‐Lorenzo, A., Simolo, C. and Sorrenti, S., 2015. Sunshine duration variability and trends in Italy from homogenized instrumental time series (1936–2013). Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 120(9), pp.3622-3641.

[39] Manjili, Y.S., Vega, R. and Jamshidi, M.M., 2017. Data-analytic-based adaptive solar energy forecasting framework. IEEE Systems Journal, 12(1), pp.285-296.

[40] Mei, X., Fan, W. and Mao, X., 2015. Analysis of impact of terrain factors on landscape-scale solar radiation. International Journal of Smart Home, 9(10), pp.107-116.

[41] Mohanty, S., Patra, P.K. and Sahoo, S.S., 2016. Prediction and application of solar radiation with soft computing over traditional and conventional approach–A comprehensive review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 56, pp.778-796.

[42] Olomiyesan, B.M., Oyedum, O.D., Ugwuoke, P.E., Ezenwora, J.A. and Ibrahim, A.G., 2015. Solar energy for power generation: a review of solar radiation measurement processes and global solar radiation modelling techniques.

[43] Palamarchuk, I., Ivanov, S., Ruban, I. and Pavlova, H., 2016. Influence of aerosols on atmospheric variables in the HARMONIE model. Atmospheric Research, 169, pp.539-546.

[44] Park, J.K., Das, A. and Park, J.H., 2015. A new approach to estimate the spatial distribution of solar radiation using topographic factor and sunshine duration in South Korea. Energy conversion and management, 101, pp.30-39.

[45] Prasad, A.A., Taylor, R.A. and Kay, M., 2015. Assessment of direct normal irradiance and cloud connections using satellite data over Australia. Applied Energy, 143, pp.301-311.

[46] Ruiz-Arias, J.A. and Gueymard, C.A., 2015. Solar resource for high-concentrator photovoltaic applications. In High concentrator photovoltaics: fundamentals, engineering and power plants (pp. 261-302). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

[47] Sanchez Romero, A., 2016. Sunshine duration as a proxy of the atmospheric aerosol content.

[48] Santen, N.R. and Anadon, L.D., 2016. Balancing solar PV deployment and RD&D: A comprehensive framework for managing innovation uncertainty in electricity technology investment planning. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 60, pp.560-569.

[49] Schüler, D., Wilbert, S., Geuder, N., Affolter, R., Wolfertstetter, F., Prahl, C., Röger, M., Schroedter-Homscheidt, M., Abdellatif, G.H.E.N.N.I.O.U.I., Guizani, A.A. and Balghouthi, M., 2016, May. The enerMENA meteorological network–Solar radiation measurements in the MENA region. In AIP conference proceedings (Vol. 1734, No. 1, p. 150008). AIP Publishing LLC.

[50] Sen, Z., 2016. Spatial modeling principles in earth sciences. Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: Springer International Publishing.

[51] Shaikh, P.H., Nor, N.B.M., Sahito, A.A., Nallagownden, P., Elamvazuthi, I. and Shaikh, M.S., 2017. Building energy for sustainable development in Malaysia: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 75, pp.1392-1403.

[52] Sovacool, B.K., 2017. Contestation, contingency, and justice in the Nordic low-carbon energy transition. Energy Policy, 102, pp.569-582.

[53] Ssekulima, E.B., Anwar, M.B., Al Hinai, A. and El Moursi, M.S., 2016. Wind speed and solar irradiance forecasting techniques for enhanced renewable energy integration with the grid: a review. IET Renewable Power Generation, 10(7), pp.885-989.

[54] Stimmel, C.L., 2015. Big data analytics strategies for the smart grid (pp. 155-169). Boca Raton: CRC press.

[55] Sun, H., Zhao, N., Zeng, X. and Yan, D., 2015. Study of solar radiation prediction and modeling of relationships between solar radiation and meteorological variables. Energy Conversion and Management, 105, pp.880-890.

[56] Urraca, R., Martinez-de-Pison, E., Sanz-Garcia, A., Antonanzas, J. and Antonanzas-Torres, F., 2017. Estimation methods for global solar radiation: Case study evaluation of five different approaches in central Spain. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 77, pp.1098-1113.

[57] Vishnevskiy, K., Karasev, O. and Meissner, D., 2016. Integrated roadmaps for strategic management and planning. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 110, pp.153-166.

[58] Wang, L., Kisi, O., Zounemat-Kermani, M., Salazar, G.A., Zhu, Z. and Gong, W., 2016. Solar radiation prediction using different techniques: model evaluation and comparison. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 61, pp.384-397.

[59] Zhang, M.M., Zhou, P. and Zhou, D.Q., 2016. A real options model for renewable energy investment with application to solar photovoltaic power generation in China. Energy Economics, 59, pp.213-226.

[60] Zhou, K., Fu, C. and Yang, S., 2016. Big data driven smart energy management: From big data to big insights. Renewable and sustainable energy reviews, 56, pp.215-225.

How to cite this paper

Olushola Damilare Odejobi, Kabir Sholagberu Ahmed "Statistical Model for Estimating Daily Solar Radiation for Renewable Energy Planning" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 2 Issue 5 2018 Page 248-262
Olushola Damilare Odejobi, Kabir Sholagberu Ahmed "Statistical Model for Estimating Daily Solar Radiation for Renewable Energy Planning" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 2, no. 5, Nov. 2018
Olushola Damilare Odejobi, Kabir Sholagberu Ahmed (2018). Statistical Model for Estimating Daily Solar Radiation for Renewable Energy Planning. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 2(5).
Olushola Damilare Odejobi, Kabir Sholagberu Ahmed "Statistical Model for Estimating Daily Solar Radiation for Renewable Energy Planning" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 2, no. 5, Nov. 2018.
@article{1711332,
      author = {Olushola Damilare Odejobi, Kabir Sholagberu Ahmed},
      title = {Statistical Model for Estimating Daily Solar Radiation for Renewable Energy Planning},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2018},
      volume = {2},
      number = {5},
      pages = {248-262},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1711332.pdf},
      abstract = {Accurate estimation of daily solar radiation is a critical requirement for renewable energy planning, particularly in the design, optimization, and forecasting of photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems. Direct measurements of solar radiation, although precise, are often limited due to the high cost and uneven distribution of pyranometer networks, especially in developing regions. To address this challenge, statistical models have emerged as practical and cost-effective alternatives, leveraging meteorological and climatological parameters to predict daily global solar radiation with acceptable accuracy. The proposed statistical model integrates classical regression approaches with advanced time-series and hybrid machine learning methods to estimate daily solar radiation. Predictor variables such as sunshine duration, maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity, and cloud cover are incorporated, while satellite-based datasets serve to complement ground-based observations where station coverage is sparse. The model calibration process involves partitioning datasets into training and validation subsets, followed by cross-validation to enhance robustness and reduce overfitting. Performance evaluation is conducted using metrics such as root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and the coefficient of determination (R?), enabling comparative analysis across different modeling approaches. The applicability of the model extends to multiple dimensions of renewable energy planning, including solar PV system sizing, grid integration forecasting, and regional energy resource mapping. By providing reliable radiation estimates, the model supports more accurate energy yield predictions, reduces uncertainties in investment decisions, and enhances the operational efficiency of renewable energy infrastructures. Strategically, such modeling frameworks contribute to accelerating the global energy transition by improving planning capabilities, supporting climate-responsive policy frameworks, and fostering sustainable deployment of solar resources. Future work envisions the integration of big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and artificial intelligence to achieve real-time, adaptive solar radiation forecasting.},
      keywords = {Statistical Modeling, Solar Radiation Estimation, Renewable Energy Planning, Solar Energy Forecasting, Time Series Analysis, Regression Models, Stochastic Modeling, Climate Data Analysis, Irradiance Measurement, Atmospheric Variables, Solar Resource Assessment, Weather Variability, Predictive Analytics},
      month = {November},
  }