Assessment of Solar Radiation as a Power Generation Source in Nigeria

Abstract The transition from fossil to renewable energy is becoming pressing and urgent due to the impact of fossil emissions on our environment, with an increase in population in Nigeria and greater energy demand, sites for solar energy facilities, solar farms, and photovoltaic application is crucial thereby the need for assessment to understand the potential and abundance of solar energy for regions in Nigeria is important for this transition. This study aims to understand solar radiation's distribution and variation (monthly and seasonal) and investigate regions where solar energy can be efficiently harnessed for energy generation. In this study, locations, divided by Nigeria's geopolitical zones (Northwest, Northeast, Northcentral, Southwest, Southeast, and South-south) where solar energy is abundant and can be efficiently harnessed for energy generation purposes over Nigeria were investigated using surface solar radiation, extraterrestrial radiation, and temperature obtained monthly for 34 years (1990–2023) and a model by Jie et al. The investigation focused on the monthly and seasonal variation and distribution of surface solar radiation, clearness index, and the estimated power from a single photovoltaic panel. The result shows that solar energy is abundant in Nigeria and at its peak during the dry season (DJF) and lesser during the wet season (JJA). Additionally, the northeast and the northwest receive higher solar radiation throughout the year than the other regions and it can be identified as a good site for solar energy facilities. All regions investigated in this study show a potential as a site for solar energy facilities and photovoltaic applications.