Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
The consistence and adequacy of solar radiation for electricity generation in Akure, applicable for the region, was investigated. Data of daily sunshine hours and the daily readings of a Gunn Bellani radiometer for the period 2001-2007 were analyzed using numerical statistical and graphing technique. Electricity equivalents (kWh: per annum; per month; per day; per capita) of Solar radiation were estimated using developed mathematical formulas. Residential load was estimated by load survey of typical residences and direct calculation methods. Power density equivalent and electricity equivalent per capita per day were estimated at 1000.7 W/m2 and 104.43 kWh/capita/day respectively, at 17% conversion efficiency of PV equipment and daily sunshine of about 5.21hours. Required surface area to harvest sufficient solar energy for daily house needs is . It was concluded that daily solar energy reaching the location per capita can be converted to electricity that is about 4 times the per capita need per day - 29.4 kWh/capita/day.

Keywords: solar irradiation; sunshine hours; electrical energy equivalent

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