Jan 24 2011
Researchers, at Austin’s University of Texas, have developed a simple new method for calculating, compiling and presenting graphically, measurements related to solar radiations in a format, which is easily accessible to both the general public and the decision makers.
According to David Wogan, a Mechanical Engineering and public affairs graduate student at the University of Texas, the method could be used by the public, businesses and policy makers and solar data is presented in a framework, which would help the public to comprehend the extent and enormity of solar resources in a particular area and also help the consumers to select solar technology; it would also help the policy makers to design policies regarding solar energy. Wogan has authored a paper on this method in the Journal of Renewable & Sustainable Energy published by the American Institute of Physics (AIP). Michael E. Webber, an assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering who is also the Assistant Director of the Center for International Energy & Environmental Policy, and another Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Alexandre K. da Silva, were the co-authors for this paper.
The method utilizes calculated approximations of solar insolation. Solar insolation is the quantity of solar radiation incident on the surface of the earth. It also uses the total energy needed by each of the 254 counties in Texas and offers the data in a Geographic Information System (GIS). The model includes averages of– yearly, monthly and daily energy. This is of great use to calculate the amount of solar electricity that could be generated at any given location and at any given time. Wogan also mentioned that Texas has been used to illustrate the new method. He stated that this method could also be adopted by other states and countries.