Solar radiation gridded satellite data comparison in Gran Canaria Island

Abstract

During the last years solar energy has been increasing the percentage of the total energy production around the world and it is expected it persists growing notably. In insular grids, such as Canary Islands, the knowledge of solar radiation behaviour is one of the most important variables in order to ensure the stability for power systems. In this paper we study the suitability of Gridded Satellite data for modelling solar radiation for both PV and CSP purposes. The analysis and comparison is performed using hourly Global and Direct Solar radiation from the satellite model CM SAF database and four ground measurement stations in Gran Canaria. This study could give us a better knowledge of solar radiation behavior in a wide spatial and temporal coverage. Moreover, an accurate satellite radiation data could improve solar radiation forecasting for power systems manage systems.