GIS-BASED ANALYSIS OF THE SOLAR RADIATION MAPPING AND POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE NORTH IRAQ-KURDISTAN REGION

Insight of the spatial distribution of solar radiation and assessing its potential is essential for well-informed planning, investment, and utilization of solar energy in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Using Geographic Information System techniques is considered highly effective for mapping solar radiation. In this research, solar data from meteorological stations and satellite-derived models were analyzed and compared through the PVGIS-5 geo-temporal irradiation database and the measured data from 29 stations to create solar radiation maps. These maps provide valuable insights into the areas with high solar energy potential and identify suitable areas for solar energy projects for power generation and heating applications. The results revealed significant spatial variations in solar radiation across the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The solar radiation map identified zones with high solar potential, such as southern and western regions, while identifying zones with lower solar energy availability, such as mountainous or forested areas. The results indicate that the spatial variability of the daily solar radiation ranges from 4.4 to 5.4 kWh/m2. The daily irradiation in the context of global horizontal irradiation (GHI), direct normal irradiation (DNI), and global irradiation optimum angle (GIOA) ranged from 4.4 to 5.6, 4.9 to 5.8 and from 4.7 to 6.2 kWh/m2, respectively. The annual irradiation in the context of GHI and GIOA range from 1850 to 2250 kWh/m2 and from 1750 to 2350 kWh/m2, respectively These findings serve as a valuable database and provide essential guidance for decision-makers, energy planners, and investors to identify suitable locations for solar energy projects and improve renewable energy production.