Solar Resource Mapping of the Tigray Region, Ethiopia, Based on Satellite and Meteorological Data

The availability of properly analyzed energy resource potential data is a prerequisite in energy planning and development. However, this was sparsely applied in Ethiopia’s renewable energy turnkey project development strategies. This study focuses on developing a solar energy resource map of Tigray to accelerate the expansion of solar energy to improve electricity access through on-grid and off-grid development schemes. This study uses monthly sunshine hour data from sixteen meteorological stations, measured at a 2 m height, and average yearly solar radiation data from twenty-two satellite stations, validated by solar radiation data and measured at three sites at 10 and 30 m heights. The solar energy potential was analyzed by taking relevant atmospheric and meteorological factors to produce solar radiation components. Accordingly, the average annual solar radiation of Tigray was found to be 6.1 kWh/m²/day and 5.3 kWh/m²/day based on meteorological and satellite data, respectively. The meteorological result gave a closer estimate to Ethiopia’s ESMAP Global Solar result of 5.83 kWh/m²/day. Finally, monthly and annual average solar radiation maps of the region were developed using ArcGIS10.5. The study’s results could contribute to assisting various solar energy developers in preparing better solar energy development plans to alleviate the chronic energy poverty of the region.