Sensitivity analysis on high-resolution surface albedo in the estimation of global tilted irradiance

Solar energy plays a crucial role in the European Commission's strategy for achieving the transition towards clean energy. Accurate modelling of incident solar radiation is essential for estimating the energy production of photovoltaic systems, particularly as part of efforts to optimise the utilization of this renewable energy source. This work presents a sensitivity analysis aimed at enhancing the precision of solar irradiance estimation. The study integrates a new high-resolution albedo dataset, developed by a component of the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service, into the evaluation of solar irradiance on tilted surfaces, focusing on specific urban areas. The analysis evaluates the influence of integrating the new dataset into existing incident solar radiation models, such as the one employed by the PVGIS service, which frequently rely on a constant albedo value. The focus of the report is on spatial, temporal, and geometrical aspects, considering the wide range of orientations and inclinations defined by the buildings in an urban environment. Results indicate a tendency for traditional models to overestimate global tilted irradiance, while also revealing instances of underestimation, particularly within specific urban contexts. This work serves as an initial step towards refining and calibrating existing solar radiation models, offering insights that can contribute to more accurate energy production estimation and improved planning strategies for solar energy deployment.