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Sunshine mapping from space means brighter solar energy future

29 June 2005

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This animation shows changes in the solar radiation over Europe and how it evolves over the course of a year. These maps were computed by fusing radiation values obtained either by ground stations or by processing satellite data.

Credits: Copyright Ecole des Mines de Paris, 2000

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The solar market in photovoltaics – the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity – has an annual turnover of 600 million euros in Germany and 1000 million euros in the rest of Europe, a figure predicted to increase to 2500 million euros by this decade's end.

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Scheme showing how the ENVISOLAR solar plant management service operates, known as PVSAT-2. Satellite-derived radiance data serves as a basis of an automated performance check to ensure a plant is functioning optimally. A number of solar plants have so far been included in market trials.

Credits: Copyright Univ. Oldenburg

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Monthly mean European irradiance map from Meteosat-7 for April 2000, measured in Watt hours per metre squared, (Wh/m²).

Credits: Copyright Univ. Oldenburg

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Example of water vapour column product derived from Meteosat Second Generation (MSG). Such Earth Observations are used as inputs for solar irradiance products in ENVISOLAR.

Credits: DLR

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Examples of cloud parameter products derived from Meteosat Second Generation (MSG). To the left is an MSG composite, in the centre is cloud cover, and to the right is optical thickness. These Earth Observation results are used as input for solar irradiance products in ENVISOLAR.

Credits: DLR

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Assimilation of MSG radiance data and Envisat atmospheric measurements into radiative transfer models enables the making of ultraviolet (UV) forecasts. An ESA Earth Observation Market Development (EOMD) project called HappySun Mobile aims to deliver text message warnings about safe sunbathing limits to holidays based on UV forecasting.

Credits: ESA