Generation Potential
Analysis of the capacity and potential for generation at the site is an important input to the overall project helping conduct an initial feasibility assessment as well as design and size a suitable renewable and storage system.
Solar Resource: Hourly solar irradiation from daily averages
It is widely believed that the higher the irradiance, the greater the output current, and as a result, the greater the power generated. Figures represent that the solar irradiance available in summer with brighter, sunnier, and more extended periods than in winter. Consequently, the peak sun hours available during the summer are longer than the winter period allowing a PV panel to operate at its peak rated output longer. In terms of the characteristics of the sky, a clear sky allows a higher amount of solar irradiance than a dull sky with a peak solar irradiance at noon.
Wind Resource : Hourly wind speed from daily averages​
Turning to hourly wind speed, Figures show that the average wind speed in winter is higher than in summer because the temperature gradients are higher during winter due to solar radiation affecting the earth’s surface, which brings faster wind. Regarding height, the higher level means the faster wind speed: the hourly wind speed at 10 meters is 6-7 meters/second, while the hourly wind speed at
50 meters is 8 – 9 meters/second in winter. On the other hand, the hourly wind speed at 10 meters
is 4 – 6 meters/second and 6 – 8 meters/second at 50 meters in summer.
Conclusion
Comparing the potential of solar and wind, although the wind resource seems to generate higher electricity than solar resources because it could be able to generate electricity for a whole day, all of this potential may not be technically or financially viable as a result of several constraints to development that may include populated urban zones, CAPEX & OPEX and many other pertinent constraints.