EVOLUTION OF METHODS FOR SOLAR-RADIATION MAPPING USING SATELLITE DATA

Since the first successful data acquisition from the first meteorological satellite in 1959 a number of methods to estimate solar radiation reaching the ground surface using satellite data have been developed worldwide. A review of these methods is presented in this paper to assist in selecting an appropriate method for the economically lagging countries. Although most of the methods give an acceptable level of accuracy for estimated data, they require expensive equipment for an operational radiation mapping system. Only a few are of low cost and are acceptable.