Impact on solar radiation parameters in India during COVID-19 lockdown: a case study

Abstract

The current research objective is to explore changes in solar radiation variables across the Indian region during the lock-down period. Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) and Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI) were considered in order to determine changes in radiation. The reduction in DHI and the increase in DNI have been investigated. The radiation levels of GHI, DHI and DNI were compared to the previous month/year reference data for industrial and rural locations and observed the percentage difference in solar radiation during the lock-down period. Overall, the results of lock-down are evident in DHI and DNI industrial areas relative to rural/remote locations. Significantly, the DNI values raised from 1% to 12% in urban areas compared to previous years.

Keywords

• covid-19
• solar radiation
• aerosols
• lockdown