Solar Energy Potential Estimation in Perak Using Clearness Index and Artificial Neural Network

In this paper solar energy potential has been estimated by two methods
which are clearness index and artificial network (ANN) methods. The selected
region is Seri Iskandar, Perak (4°24´latitude, 100°58´E longitude, 24 m altitude).
Experimental data (monthly average daily radiation on horizontal surface) was
obtained from UTP solar research site in UTP campus. The data include the
period of 2010 to 2012 and were used for testing the artificial neural network
model and also for determination of clearness index. Also the experimental data
of the three meteorological, Ipoh, Bayan Lepas & KLIA were used in calculating
the clearness index and for training the neural network. Result shows that
clearness index for Seri Iskandar is 0.52, the highest radiation is on February
(20.45 MJ/m2/day), annual average is 18.25 MJ/m2/day and clearness index is
more accurate than ANN when there is limited data supply. In general, Perak
states show strong potential for solar energy application.