Prediction of Solar Radiation for the Major Climates of Jordan: A Regression Model

Abstract

Multiple regression models were developed for calculating the regression coefficients a and b of the Angström-type equation for estimating the monthly average daily global radiation on a horizontal surface for six major climates in Jordan. The equations for a and b were developed from the available values of these constants reported in the literature for locations across the country, along with the sunshine duration and the values of ground albedo (ρ_g). The developed correlations were tested for their applicability by estimating the regression constants and the solar radiation for six locations spread over the country, which were Irbid, Amman, Azraq, Al-Shawbak, Ma’an and Aqaba. The remarkable agreement between the estimated and experimental data of solar radiation in those locations suggests a wide applicability of the method for the locations with sunshine duration ranging from 0.7 to 0.8. The maximum and minimum percentages of error for those locations were found to be 6.3, 0.05%, respectively.

Keywords

• solar radiation
• Regression model
• climate in Jordan