A comparison of spectral irradiance profiles for two nigerian cities using the spectral 2 computer code

The spectral profiles of two Nigerian cities were studied using SERI's SPECTRAL 2 computer code to reveal the nature of the irradiance reaching the ground at the two locations. The spectral profiles show a high diffuse content in the Lagos area even for a clear day and a lower diffuse content and high beam content for Sokoto. The implications of these to photovoltaic systems have been discussed and the conclusions are firstly, PV systems mounted in the fixed tilt position would be practicable in Lagos because the available and usable solar energy inthe global solar spectrum is larger than in the direct solar spectrum due to the high diffuse content. A tracking system would not be very efficient due to the high diffuse content. Secondly, PV systems in the fixed and tracking modes would work well in Sokoto since the global total and the beam irradiance are high. A tracking device would be more efficient here than in Lagos.