Abstract:
The main objective of this work was to determine the potential of solar power in Nigeria, by
estimating solar radiations on both horizontal and tilted surfaces using the diffuse component of
the global solar radiation in the Country.
Monthly solar radiation data of Enugu, Ibadan, Minna, Sokoto and Yola from 1981 to 1990 were
collected from Nigeria Meteorological Agency. The required astronomical parameters were
computed using the appropriate equations. The Clearness and Cloudiness indexes were computed
and used to determine the diffuse radiation using appropriate relations in the literature. Solar
radiations on tilted surfaces were estimated using the diffuse components of the global solar
radiation derived from cloudiness and clearness index. The calculated radiations on tilted surfaces
with the measured radiations on horizontal surfaces were used to determine the electricity
generation potential of Photovoltaics in all the cities considered.
It has been established by this thesis that depending on the location (region within Nigeria), the
power rating of the solar panel, period of the year and tilt angle of the solar panel, between 2 and
16kW of electricity could be generated from solar radiation using solar panel on a square meter
surface. Radiations received on horizontal surfaces were higher than those received on tilted
surfaces that are less than or equal to the latitude of the stations. The higher the tilt angle of the
solar panel the higher the solar radiation received, hence the higher the quantity of electricity
generated. Among all the stations, the highest quantity of electricity could be generated at Sokoto.
The value of direct solar radiation (which is required by Photovoltaics) received on both horizontal
and tilted surfaces at the stations depends on the clearness and cloudiness of the sky. In all the
stations considered the percentage of clear sky conditions ranges between 0 (zero) and 56 (fifty
six), while the percentage of cloudy sky conditions ranges between 44 and 100. Sokoto has the
highest percentage of clear sky conditions and Minna was without any clear sky conditions
throughout.
