Global Surface Solar Energy Anomalies Including El Niño and La Niña Years

Abstract

Abstract Weather anomalies that increase clouds influence the reliability of both renewable energy and building environmental-control systems. Non-grid solar power systems may run out of capacity for such items as communications electronics, flood-warning stream gages, refrigerators, and small village power systems. This paper provides 1×1-degree resolution global maps that identify those regions which experienced large abnormal solar energy during a 10-year period. A source is identified where specific values for maximum year-to-year variability can be obtained in regions where ground-site measurements do not exist. The information may aid in the selection of safety factors for solar power systems.