An assessment of solar radiation distribution in Argentina

Argentine territory extends from 22 degrees S to 55 degrees S and it mostly offers favorable conditions for the use of solar energy. Measurements of solar radiation have taken place during the last forty years, particularly since the installation of a quality-controlled pyranometer network, which began operations in 1979. The temporal and spatial variability of global radiation data and sunshine hours were analyzed - the first for the determination of the uncertainty level for a given precision, and the second for the determination of the extrapolation error. Taking both of them into account along with the monthly averages of measured (28 stations) and estimated (Angstrom type equations for 24 stations) global radiation, comparable values from neighboring countries and satellite studies, it was possible to draw 13 charts with the spatial distribution from this alternative source. Annual, January and July charts are presented, and some important facts are stated in reference to the climate and phytogeographic diversity. A comparison is made with preliminary assessments of NREL(1985-1988) derived from satellite data.