Analysis of the intra-day solar resource variability in the Iberian Peninsula

The intra-day modes of variability of the solar resources in the Iberian Peninsula, their associated weather patterns and their impact on the solar power output are assessed in this work. The analysis is performed for yearly and seasonal variability. Firstly, the modes of variability are identified by means of hierarchical cluster analysis. It is computed with two years of measured global horizontal irradiance (GHI) and direct normal irradiance (DNI) data gathered at four stations. Notably, three-hour statistics describing mean and variability of solar radiation are used as input to the cluster analysis. Secondly, synoptic weather patterns associated with each group resulting from the cluster analysis are assessed using sea level pressure and cloudiness data. Finally, the solar PV power yield associated with each mode is evaluated. The yearly analysis reveals the existence of four modes of variability of the solar resource in the study area. The four modes are shown to have a distinctive weather pattern and also specific impacts on solar power generation in the study area. Seasonal analyses show results similar to the annual analysis, but with marked seasonal differences.