DE-79-02-2 -- The Canadian Solar Radiation Data Base PDF

The Canadian Atmospheric Environment Service is establishing a comprehensive solar radiation data base of estimated hourly values of global (RFl) and diffuse (RF2) radiation on a horizontal surface for a ten-year period at 100 stations. The estimated values are calculated from standard meteorological observations using a model chosen from among several models published in the recent literature. The method of selecting the most appropriate model is reported. The RFI and RF2 data base for 50 of these stations will be used to tabulate global radiation on variously orientated and tilted surfaces.

The model for calculating the radiation incident on tilted surfaces was chosen using an analysis similar to that used for the RFl, RF2 model. Threshold radiation values correlated with temperature will be tabulated to allow direct calculation of collectible solar radiation. An integrated data base with all the relevant data required by users will be prepared. The method of threshold analysis and the parameters to be included in the integrated data base are determined from the results of a user survey. The resulting data base will be available from the Atmospheric Environment Service in both printed and standard magnetic tape format after August, 1979.