Assessment of the method used to construct clearness index maps for the new european solar radiation atlas (ESRA).

Abstract

International audienceWe present an assessement of the methods used to construct maps for a new Solar Radiation Atlas for Europe. For this atlas station data and satellite derived data are used in an interpolation/merging process to derive maps of the long term monthly global radiation that cover an area ranging from 30° W to 70° E and from 25° to 75° N. Our focus is on the discussion of the accuracy of the method applied - a co-kriging technique. Special emphasis is put on the discussion whether the use of satellite derived radiation maps with a low spatial resolution brings benefits