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Estimation of the solar energy potential in Venezuela by using geographic information systems

Abstract:

In this paper an estimation of solar radiation amount and the solar energy potential for Venezuela in kWh/m2día was carried out, by using geostatistic analysis and Geographic Information System (GIS). The information was based on historical records of solar radiation measurements from 35 meteorological stations. The maps of potential were generated with a resolution of 4 Km by using Ordinary Kriging, and the estimation error was calculated. Results show a solar energy potential feasible for using, with average values above 5.1 kWh/m2 in an area of approximately 205,921.6 km2 day, with maximum potential values in the northern coastline and island region (5.8 to 7.3 kWh/m2día), and different trends in temporal variability. The random variation of the model obtained is considered to be high. The generation of models using this tool and with a minimum estimation error would require a higher density in the network of surface observation points, which can be modelled by means of geostatistic techniques.