EVALUATING SOLAR RADIATION POTENTIAL OF NORTH EAST USING ANGSTROM-PRESCOTT MODEL

Abstract

In this study, the model for estimating solar energy radiation potential in the north eastern Nigeria using Bauchi (Lat. 10^o 18’ 48N; Lon 90 50’ 36E) as a case study was examined. The data on monthly average temperature, relative humidity, sunshine hours, atmospheric precipitation, hour angle, solar declination, and extra-terrestrial solar radiation were collected and analysed using Angstrom-Prescott model (APM): The metrological parameters were obtained from Bauchi airport between 2001 and 2010 (10 years). It was observed that the regression equation gives the highest values of R² and least values of MBE, RMSE and MPE and provided the best estimate for the monthly mean average temperature, cloud cover (clearness index), and sunshine duration. It indicated a good agreement between the measured and estimated values for Bauchi state. Regression constants a₀, a₁ and R² as 1.88, 0.00193 and 80.30 respectively for 2001-2010. The quantity of solar radiation in the study area is useful to engineers, hydrologists, architects and agriculturists in planning and executing projects.