Empirical models for the estimation of global solar radiation with sunshine hours on horizontal surface for Jharkhand (India)

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to develop a linear regression model for estimating radiation for some selected cities of Jharkhand region. Taking sunshine hours as the prime concern, the three main places which come under this region, namely—Jamshedpur (longitude 86°11′ E, latitude 22°48′ N), Ranchi (longitude 85°20′ E, latitude 23°21′ N) and Bokaro (longitude 86°09′ E, latitude 23°40′ N) a set of regression constants were obtained in order to develop the linear regression model. The new developed models estimated the value of regression constant “a” which is ranging between 0.204 to 0.211 and value of regression constant “b” ranging from 0.489 to 0.514. Results are compared with measured data and some well known models with the help of statistical test for city Ranchi. Finally, the proposed model was preferred for estimation of solar radiation in Ranchi, with smallest statistical errors among all models and close agreement with measured data.