To analyse solar data for some locations in Fiji

Lab 2 Solar Data Analysis

Data Source
- Monthly average solar data from 19842017.
- Locations: Suva, Nadi, Labasa.
- Data downloaded from NASA (power.larc.nasa.gov).
- Provided in Excel file.
Monthly Variation Analysis
- Choose one location and one specific year.
- Construct a graph showing monthly solar insolation variation.
- Explain reasons for variation (e.g., seasonal changes, cloud cover, rainfall, sun angle).
Annual Average Analysis (Single Location)
- Calculate annual average solar insolation for each year (19842017).
- Construct a graph to show trend over 33 years.
- Discuss whether solar insolation is increasing, decreasing, or stable.
Comparison Between Locations
- Construct a graph comparing annual solar insolation trends of Suva, Nadi, and Labasa.
- Discuss differences over the past 33 years.
Monthly Comparison Between Locations
- Choose one year.
- Graph how solar insolation varies monthly across all three locations.
- Discuss regional differences in Fiji.
Application
- Discuss how and where this solar data can be used (e.g., solar panel design, PV system planning, energy policy, site selection).

Data Source
- Hourly irradiance data from renewables.ninja.
- Location: Nadi.
- Data in second Excel worksheet.
Daily Irradiance Analysis
- Choose one day in January.
- Construct a graph showing hourly irradiance variation.
- Explain reasons for variation (sunrise, sunset, solar altitude, clouds).
Application
- Discuss practical uses (e.g., battery storage sizing, peak generation timing, grid planning).

Requirements: standard lab format