Análise do potencial solar no município de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia: um estudo comparativo

Abstract

The knowledge of the solar potential of a specific location is crucial for optimizing the sizing of photovoltaic generation systems. In the case of Brazil, the coverage of solar radiation networks is relatively limited considering the country’s vast territorial expanse. Therefore, programs for estimating solar irradiation, although questioned regarding uncertainties about the provided data, are widely used alternatives. In light of this, the present study aimed to verify if the theoretical solar irradiation data provided by the SunData program of CRESESB are consistent with experimentally obtained solar irradiation data from measurements of irradiance conducted in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, during the months of October to December 2023. Additionally, the study aimed to determine solar irradiation through short-circuit current measurements on a photovoltaic module and compare the obtained data with measurements from a pyranometer to validate the data used, as well as analyze the behavior of solar irradiance at different angles and orientations. The comparison between the monthly average experimental solar irradiation values and the theoretical data provided by the SunData program showed solar irradiation values for October and November within a percentual variation range similar to the approximately 20% variation among different solar potential data sources currently available. December exhibited a slightly higher variation but was still considered reasonable given the limitations of the data collection. The irradiance calculated from the short-circuit current of the module closely approximated the irradiance measured with the pyranometer. Regarding the behavior of solar irradiance at different angles and directions, the study observed influences from both the Sun-Earth geometry and the climatic characteristics of the study site.