Estimation of Solar Resource Based on Meteorological and Geographical Data: Sonora State in Northwestern Territory of Mexico as Case Study

Abstract

A model developed at the University of Tomsk, Russia, for high latitudes (over 55° N) is proposed and applied to the analysis and observation of the solar resource in the state of Sonora in the northwest of Mexico. This model utilizes satellite data and geographical coordinates as inputs. The objective of this research work is to provide a low-cost and reliable alternative to field meteorological stations and also to obtain a wide illustration of the distribution of solar power in the state to visualize opportunities for sustainable energy production and reduce its carbon footprint. The model is compared against real-time data from meteorological stations and satellite data, using statistical methods to scrutinize its accuracy at local latitudes (26–32° N), where a satisfactory performance was observed. An annual geographical view of available solar radiation against maximum and minimum temperatures for all the state municipalities is provided to identify the photovoltaic electricity generation potential. The outcomes are proof that the model is economically viable and could be employed by local governments to plan solar harvesting strategies. The results are generated from an open source model that allows calculating the available solar radiation over specific land areas, and the application potential for future planning of solar energy projects is evident.

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

“…The estimates were validated with data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) [16], which are satellite readings, and the Mexican National Weather Service (Servicio Metereológico Nacional, SMN, by its acronym in Spanish), which are meteorological stations [17]. The results in [14] were close to those obtained by NASA and SMN. As part of the method, the area was divided into the 72 counties of Sonora State, which have very irregular shapes, and more research is required on this regard.…”

“…When comparing these results with estimates that make use of satellite measurements, which are more precise, an important drawback is observed in the work of estimating solar irradiation in Mexico [13]. A more recent investigation estimated solar irradiation, along with the assessment of available solar resources based on meteorological and geographical data in the northwestern state of Sonora [14].…”

“…The work reported by Enríquez-Velásquez et al [14] is based on the mathematical model developed by Obukhov et al [15] and adapted for its use in a northern state of Mexico. The estimates were validated with data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) [16], which are satellite readings, and the Mexican National Weather Service (Servicio Metereológico Nacional, SMN, by its acronym in Spanish), which are meteorological stations [17].…”

“…Another study reported that only 33% of the stations in the state of Sonora (northwest of Mexico) were reliable, which is due to, among other causes, the possible deficient maintenance of the stations. This generated loss or inconsistency of data, which prevented reliable readings [14].…”

Gis-Aided Geographical and Meteorological Data Overview of Solar Radiation Mapping for Malaysia – An Explanatory Study Based on Solar Radiation Prediction Modeling Using Neural Network Approach

“…The result shows a prediction of the solar radiation value of Malaysia for 2019. Based on a previous study, solar radiation prediction had widely applied geographical and meteorological data as input variables for the neural network prediction model [73][74][75]…”