Spatio-temporal mapping of solar energy potential of Dutse, Jigawa State Nigeria using arcgis solar radiation spatial analyst tool

Abstract

Efficient solar energy harnessing technology is required for sustainability and effective utilization of the resource. In this work, a survey of solar energy potential of Dutse, Jigawa state Nigeria was carried out with the aim of identifying the best location for optimal performance of solar energy power plant. Elevation information of the study area was obtained from Google Earth’s Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data collected by NASA’s Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). With the DEM and the solar constant as inputs, ArcGIS’s solar radiation analyst tool was used to estimate the effect of topography and its related parameters (slope, aspect, hillshed, viewshed) on both direct and diffuse solar radiation leading to an area solar insolation map for both the direct and diffuse components. Total insolation map was computed for the 12 months of the year 2017. The insolation map for the whole year varies significantly from 0.080 kWHm^-2 to about 2,684.358 kWHm^-2. Two regions receiving maximum insolation were identified: mountainous region 1 km east of Mopol Barrack and the western end of the town, about 7.5 km east of Jidawa Lake. The temporal analysis of the monthly isolation showed that peak value was recorded in the month of April while minimum values were recorded in the months of December and January. The two regions are therefore recommended as the best location for optimal performance of solar power generating plant.

Keywords: Solar Energy; Solar Insolation; Solar Radiation; Spatial Analyst; Dutse