Solar Energy: An Analysis of Global, Direct and Diffuse Solar Irradiance for Mauritius

Information on the components of solar radiation is key to the implementation of solar energy projects. It is highly sought by policymakers, energy planners, engineers, architects, and investors, as well as researchers and practitioners in the field of solar energy. In the current study, spatial and temporal analyses of the main components of solar radiation are conducted which reveal mean global horizontal irradiance, direct normal irradiance, and diffused irradiance of 178.5 kWh/m², 187.9 kWh/m², and 58.1 kWh/m², respectively, over the 20-year period analyzed. Spatial analysis reveal that the northern plain of Mauritius favors the implementation of solar energy projects owing to high global and direct irradiances. High diffusion of incoming irradiance is observed to occur on the central plateau region and attributed to the presence of increased moisture content as a result of cloud convection occurring in the vicinity. A mean clearness index value of 0.6214 has been obtained over Mauritius, which is indicative of intermediate to clear sky conditions prevailing on the island. The clear sky conditions and high insolation are propitious conditions for solar technology implementation in Mauritius.