MATLAB tool for predicting the global solar radiation in UAE

The prediction of the global solar radiation is of great importance for several engineering applications. Just to name few, solar radiation estimates are fundamental during the design phase of several technologies such as: flat plates and concentrating collectors, solar energy storage devices, solar heaters, and photovoltaic systems. The geographical location of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (between 26° and 32° North Latitude and between 51° and 56° 25 East Latitude) favors the development and utilization of solar energy. A graphical user interface (GUI) was designed to assist solar energy planners, engineers, architectural scientists, and researchers to predict global solar radiation in different regions of the UAE. The predicted models are developed using Artificial Neural Network techniques.