Malawi understanding solar

What is the purpose of ground measurements in Malawi?

3 Ground measurements in Malawi 3.1 Solar meteorological stations: specifications and data Data from the measuring stations in Malawi was collected and harmonized with the objective of acquiring reference solar radiation data for reducing the uncertainty of the solar models.

Does Solargis model work in Malawi?

Solargis model is based on the use of the best available algorithms and input data, and it has been calibrated and validated for all geographies. Therefore, the model has robust and uniform behaviour in all conditions. Validation sites in Malawi show consistent bias within the expected range, except for the Mzuzu station.

Does spatial interpolation extend the validity of solar meteorological correction factors?

Applying the spatial interpolation, we extended the validity of the correction factors identified at the solar meteorological stations to the entire territory of Malawi and neighbouring areas. To maintain the stability of model in a wider regional context, also effect of corrections from neighbouring regions (Zambia) was introduced.

Can reference solar radiation data reduce the uncertainty of solar models?

Data from the measuring stations in Malawi was collected and harmonized with the objective of acquiring reference solar radiation data for reducing the uncertainty of the solar models. The quality data from three meteorological stations were available for this assessment (Tables 3.1 and 3.2, Figure 3.1).

Are validation sites biased in Malawi?

Validation sites in Malawi show consistent bias within the expected range, except for the Mzuzu station. The results reflect specific microclimatic conditions and lower representativeness at some sites of the regional context (Mzuzu and partially Chileka, Chapter 4.1) as well as limitations of the Solargis model.

What is the mean bias of adapted GHI & DNI values in Malawi?

As a result, at the level of individual sites in Malawi, the mean bias of the adapted GHI and DNI values stays below 1.0% for Chileka and Kasungu stations. For Mzuzu station it is slightly higher: 1.8% and 3.5% for DNI and GHI, respectively.