RESUMO
In order to expand the output of solar power systems for efficient integration into the national grid, solar energy resource assessment at site is required. A major impediment however, is the widespread scarcity of radiometric measurements, which can be augmented by satellite observation. This paper assessed the suitability of satellite-based solar radiation resource retrieved from the NASA-POWER archives at [Formula: see text] spatial resolution over Ghana-West Africa, to develop a long-term source reference. The assessment is based on the criteria of comparison with estimations from sunshine duration measurement for 22 synoptic stations. Overall, the satellite-based data compared well with ground-based estimations by r = 0.6-0.94 ± 0.1. Spatiotemporally, the agreement is strongest over the northern half Savannah-type climate during March-May, and weakest over the southern half Forest-type climate during June-August. The assessment provides empirical framework to support solar energy utilization in the sub-region.
