"These maps are a very useful source of solar resource information. SolarGIS, developed by GeoModel Solar, has been extensively validated by a number of local ground measurements in partnership with Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Stellenbosch University. High reliability of maps was achieved thanks to the use of data from SolarGIS, the most accurate solar resource database available for Southern Africa. Hence, it is very important to have access to data with high accuracy and spatial resolution, making it possible to predict a solar plants output with greater confidence," he added. "The solar radiation received in some regions can vary by up to 20 percent within a distance of 10 kilometres. As regards temporal resolution, the underlying solar database represents more than 18 years of historical data (1994 – to present) with a time step of up to 15 minutes," said Marcel Suri, Managing Director of GeoModel Solar. "Uniqueness of these maps is reflected in their very high spatial resolution of 250 metres.
The abundant global and direct solar radiation is now mapped in the best possible quality, which will support the development of photovoltaic and concentrated solar energy in the country. GeoModel Solar, an international provider of solar resource data, online site assessment tools, and expert consultancy, today released a new set of solar maps for South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland. Clean Power Research: Solar data solutions to maximize PV project performance.Energy Storage North America Special 2018.The smarter E Europe 2019 special edition.Market overview: Microgrid control systems.Market overview: Large-scale storage systems.