Solar Irradiation Evaluation through GIS Analysis Based on Grid Resolution and a Mathematical Model: A Case Study in Northeast Mexico

Fausto André Valenzuela-Domínguez, Luis Alfonso Santa Cruz, Enrique A. Enríquez-Velásquez, Luis C. Félix-Herrán, Victor H. Benitez, Jorge de-J. Lozoya-Santos and Ricardo A. Ramírez-Mendoza
Additional contact information
Fausto André Valenzuela-Domínguez: School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Blvd. Enrique Mazón López 965, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, Mexico
Luis Alfonso Santa Cruz: School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Blvd. Enrique Mazón López 965, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, Mexico
Enrique A. Enríquez-Velásquez: School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Sanderson Building, Robert Stevenson Road, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FB, UK
Luis C. Félix-Herrán: School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Blvd. Enrique Mazón López 965, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, Mexico
Victor H. Benitez: Department of Industrial Engineering, Universidad de Sonora, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, Mexico
Jorge de-J. Lozoya-Santos: School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico
Ricardo A. Ramírez-Mendoza: School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 19, 1-37

Abstract: The estimation of the solar resource on certain surfaces of the planet is a key factor in deciding where to establish solar energy collection systems. This research uses a mathematical model based on easy-access geographic and meteorological information to calculate total solar radiation at ground surface. This information is used to create a GIS analysis of the State of Nuevo León in Mexico and identify solar energy opportunities in the territory. The analyzed area was divided into a grid and the coordinates of each corner are used to feed the mathematical model. The obtained results were validated with statistical analyses and satellite-based estimations from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The applied approach and the results may be replicated to estimate solar radiation in other regions of the planet without requiring readings from on-site meteorological stations and therefore reducing the cost of decision-making regarding where to place the solar energy collection equipment.

Keywords: total solar irradiation; GIS analysis; mathematical model; grid map design; statistical analysis; sustainable urban planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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