Estimating tilted solar irradiance input to photovoltaic systems under Qatar conditions.

In order to manage solar-based projects in a proficient way, it is crucial to obtain accurate solar radiation data throughout the lifecycle of the project, i.e. the design, the implementation, and the operation of the project. When these data are not measured, alternatives such as satellite observations or empirical/physical models are used to fill the gap and estimate the solar radiation. However, these models are not accurate and may introduce large errors if not validated and calibrated in the local conditions where the solar photovoltaic (PV) system is operating. This proposal gives the opportunity for high school students to measure the solar radiation incident on the surface of the panels, called Plane of Array (POA) irradiance or Global Titled Irradiance (GTI), and to estimate it using several models and evaluate their performance in the local conditions of Qatar. The tilted irradiance is the main input used by PV systems for electricity conversion. This project is very relevant to Qatar where solar energy projects and mainly PV systems are ramping up through the deployment and commissioning of the first large-scale 800 MW solar power plant in Alkharsaah, and many other small-scale PV projects that are in progress.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)