Abstract
Abstract : This thesis presents the calculation of optimum solar panel orientation for Gauteng Province by adapting known sky transparency models to actual irradiance data. Solar irradiance losses in the atmosphere are traditionally quantified by the Linke turbidity factor. This study analyses the global irradiance measured in Gauteng and attempts to reproduce the data in terms of irradiance models, such as Aras et al (2006) model, Tsubo et al (2003) model, Scharmer and Greif (2000) model and the Slob Algorithm (2006) model. Some of these models were adapted for local atmospheric conditions, except for the Aras et al (2006) model and the Scharmer and Greif (2000) model. The irradiance energy yields of a solar panel were mod- elled taking into account orientation, season, time of day, and atmospheric losses. The analysis models the irradiance using the Linke turbidity factor. This considers the estimation of the direct component and the diffuse component, which are then summed with an effort to match the measured irradiance and modelled irradiance yield. The Linke turbidities determined in this manner are then compared with corresponding values given in an online solar irradiance calculation tool called PVGIS...
M.Sc. (Physics)