Researchers from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Lima, Peru, led by Octavio Fashé-Raymundo, have conducted a significant study on solar irradiance patterns in the Mantaro Valley, an area known for its ecological and agricultural importance in the central Peruvian Andes. The findings, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Earth Science’, provide valuable insights that could impact the energy sector, particularly in solar power generation.
The study utilized data from the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) sensors at the Huancayo Geophysical Observatory, covering a five-year period from 2017 to 2022. Fashé-Raymundo and his team focused on understanding the seasonal and diurnal variations of solar irradiance components: global, direct, and diffuse. Their results showed that solar irradiance exhibits distinct peaks and declines throughout the year, with global irradiance reaching its highest levels in spring. Specifically, they noted that “peaks of global irradiance occurred in spring, particularly during October,” which coincides with periods of biomass burning that increase aerosol levels in the atmosphere.
The implications of these findings are particularly relevant for the solar energy industry. Understanding how seasonal variations affect solar irradiance can help optimize solar panel placement and energy production strategies. For instance, the research indicates that the global irradiance in the Huancayo region is lower than in other higher latitude areas of South America, suggesting that solar energy projects may need to adapt to these local conditions to maximize efficiency.
Moreover, the study evaluated various irradiation models to correlate sunshine hours with measured solar irradiance, identifying the sigmoid logistic function as the most effective. This model demonstrated strong statistical significance in predicting the hourly diffuse fraction and clearness index, which could enhance the accuracy of solar radiation forecasting. As Fashé-Raymundo stated, the research provides “valuable insights for future solar radiation forecasting and modeling efforts,” which could lead to more effective solar energy solutions tailored for the region.
With the growing emphasis on sustainable energy sources, the findings from this research highlight commercial opportunities for solar energy development in the Peruvian Andes. By leveraging localized data and advanced modeling techniques, energy companies can improve their solar project designs, ultimately contributing to climate resilience and sustainable development in mountainous regions. The study serves as a critical step toward optimizing solar power generation in an area that holds significant potential for renewable energy investments.
