Top 6 Applications of Global Horizontal Irradiance Solar

Global Horizontal irradiance solar refers to the solar energy received per unit area on a horizontal surface. It is an essential variable for many solar energy applications. Solar energy is a desirable replacement for traditional fossil fuels since it is a clean, abundant, and renewable resource. The top six uses of solar energy from worldwide horizontal irradiance will be covered in this article.

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Horizontal irradiance data helps in designing and sizing PV systems, optimising their orientation, and estimating their energy generation potential. By considering horizontal irradiance levels, developers can choose the right locations for solar farms and rooftop installations.
• Solar Thermal Power Plants: Solar thermal power plants use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver, which heats a fluid to produce steam and drive a turbine to generate electricity. Accurate horizontal irradiance data is essential for the proper alignment of mirrors or lenses to maximise the concentration of sunlight onto the receiver. This alignment is a key factor in the construction and operation of such facilities since optimising it increases the power plant’s efficiency.
• Solar Water Heating Systems: Sunlight is used by solar water heating systems to warm water for home, commercial, or industrial use.The efficiency of these systems relies on the amount of solar energy available at a given location. Horizontal irradiance data aids in designing and sizing solar water heating systems, ensuring that they meet the hot water demand efficiently.
• Agricultural and Horticultural Applications: Solar irradiance data is valuable in agricultural practices. Farmers and horticulturists can determine the amount of solar energy their crops or plants receive, helping them optimise planting schedules, choose appropriate crop varieties, and plan irrigation and pest control strategies. Additionally, solar energy is harnessed to power agricultural machinery and irrigation systems, further emphasising the importance of accurate horizontal irradiance data.
• Weather Forecasting and Climate Studies: Horizontal irradiance data is an essential input for weather forecasting models and climate studies. Understanding solar energy patterns on the Earth’s surface helps meteorologists predict weather conditions and improve the accuracy of solar radiation forecasts. Climate researchers use historical irradiance data to study long-term solar energy trends and their impact on the environment.
• Solar Energy Research and Development: In the pursuit of enhancing solar energy technologies, researchers rely on accurate horizontal irradiance data. It serves as a basis for studying the performance of solar devices, developing new materials, and optimising solar energy conversion processes. Reliable data enables researchers to make informed decisions, leading to advancements in solar energy efficiency and affordability.