Morehead State University

Assessment of the Solar Energy Variability and Effects in Eastern Kentucky

Institution

Morehead State University

Abstract

This study was to assess the yearly solar energy availability in the eastern Kentucky region and determine its effects on other atmospheric factors. The methods employed involve outdoor measurements of solar irradiance. Data from the Kentucky Mesonet Station in Morehead was acquired and analyzed. Previous work investigated the correlation between solar irradiance and atmospheric factors such as ambient temperature and wind speed, for selected months. This study has been expanded to review solar irradiance data for the region over a one-year period and the correlations were re-assessed to account for seasonal variability. The development of more location-specific solar resources has the potential to increase the level of interest and investments in renewable energy technologies in the region. The study serves as a foundation for further research in renewable energy at MSU and in the region.

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Assessment of the Solar Energy Variability and Effects in Eastern Kentucky

This study was to assess the yearly solar energy availability in the eastern Kentucky region and determine its effects on other atmospheric factors. The methods employed involve outdoor measurements of solar irradiance. Data from the Kentucky Mesonet Station in Morehead was acquired and analyzed. Previous work investigated the correlation between solar irradiance and atmospheric factors such as ambient temperature and wind speed, for selected months. This study has been expanded to review solar irradiance data for the region over a one-year period and the correlations were re-assessed to account for seasonal variability. The development of more location-specific solar resources has the potential to increase the level of interest and investments in renewable energy technologies in the region. The study serves as a foundation for further research in renewable energy at MSU and in the region.