Estimating insolation based on PV-module currents in a cluster of stand-alone solar systems: Introduction of a new method

Abstract

In order to evaluate the performance of solar home systems (SHS), data on local insolation is a prerequisite. We present the outline of a new method to estimate insolation if direct measurements are unavailable. This method comprises estimation of daily irradiation by correlating photovoltaic (PV)-module currents from a number of solar home systems, located a few kilometres apart. The objective is to obtain reliable daily and monthly insolation figures that are representative for an area of a few square kilometres.