Simplified Method To Estimate Global Solar Radiation

In order to simplify solar radiation analysis and to asses its effect on energy estimation, a simplified method to estimate average global horizontal solar radiation is required. This paper analyzes global solar radiation for (8) eight Iraqi cities and (8) eight U.S.A cities and proposes a method for generalizing this data for use in different location. Available solar radiation data for the U.S.A and Iraqi cities have been analyzed, and a normalized solar distribution over a (12) months period has been developed. In order to use this normalized distribution, three global solar radiation parameters for a specified location are required: (Qmax) and (Omin), the highest and lowest monthly average solar radiation, and (Qyav), the yearly average solar radiation and their values are most likely available for most locations.