AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ADEQUACY OF THE SOLAR RADIATION DATA NETWORK FOR THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES

Relationships between the coefficient of variability and the logarithm of extrapolation distance are established by an assessment of the spatial coherence of solar radiation. Equations for different confidence levels and daily and monthly time intervals are presented. These relationships are utilized in an assessment of the adequacy of the solar radiation data network in the contiguous United States. Results indicate that the present network maintained by the federal government provides adequate coverage on a monthly basis for all but 5% of the area for an error tolerance of ±10% at a 90% confidence level. However, on a daily basis, very inadequate spatial coverage is provided.