Estimating Solar Energy Potential in Perak using Clearness Index and Artificial Neural Network

This paper presents an estimation and comparison of monthly mean daily global solar radiation using clearness index and artificial neural network (ANN) in Seri Iskandar, Perak (4° 24‟N latitude,100° 58‟E longitude,24m altitude) with other cities in Malaysia. The study is needed to determine the solar data in Perak when there is no solar radiation data recorded due to several factors such as high cost and maintenance. Little work had been done to estimate the solar radiation in Perak states. None had been done in Seri Iskandar, Perak. Therefore, this study will provide a reliable and long term global radiation data needed in Perak states, thus giving benefits to the key players in solar industry. The outcomes of this study will be highly needed for technical and economical investigation for most of the areas with similar clearness index conditions that have no records of solar data.