Insolation Levels Using Temperature Model for Sustainable Application of Photovoltaic Technology in Some Selected Locations of Nigeria

The need to balance between energy security, economic development and environmental protection through technology is becoming enormous. Nigerians are experiencing lack of adequate meteorological data such as monthly average of incoming solar radiation and clearness index except for few locations. While, photovoltaic technology applications depends solely on the availability of insolation data and efficient energy appliances. Therefore, twenty one (21) locations were considered within the North-western Nigeria for the estimation of global solar radiation (kWh/m2/day) using sunshine hours based on Angstrom correlation model. It was achieved through derived empirical constants based on the 30 years long term average of ground insolation measurement and 10 years long term average of sunshine hour’s measurement. The measured and estimated values of insolation were tested using coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of residual mass (CRM) and high percentages of the R2, low value of RMSE and positive value of CRM close to unity shows remarkable agreements. The difference between the monthly variations of average mean daily insolation of the locations was also shown to have no significant difference based on One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). It is concluded that, the insolation data can be used in the design of solar installations for the locations and in locations with similar climatic conditions for sustainable application photovoltaic technology in Nigeria. Key words: Nigeria, Estimation, Insolation, Sunshine hours, Photovoltaic technology