A soft application for surface solar radiation estimation in Algeria

In this article, we have developed an application of four theoretical models that allows to estimate the solar radiation received on the ground for any region of the Algerian territory. The first model makes it possible to estimate the global solar radiation received on the ground. This model is a spectral model for the determination of direct and diffuse irradiance on a horizontal and sloping surface and for a clear sky. The second model is a Bird & Hulstrom time model that estimates solar radiation at ground level for a certain period (Hours, days, months, ... etc.). The third model is the Davies & Hay model, which makes it possible to trace the rates of absorption and diffusion of solar radiation by the various atmospheric constituents as a function of time and make comparisons. The last model is Lacis & Hansen which allows to trace the global radiation for a certain period. These models are based on the determination of the transmission coefficients of the various atmospheric constituents. These coefficients require the availability of current meteorological parameters (relative humidity, ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, etc.) and geographical parameters of the site (latitude, longitude and altitude). The application developed made it possible to study several models for estimating global solar radiation at a few Algerian sites and to draw a conclusion on the most appropriate models of estimations.