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GLOBAL Renewable Energy Resources

Solar Energy

Global Irridiation

The maps show the geographical distribution of the solar radiation incident on the earth's surface each year. Depending on the shape of the sun's apparent path (solar ecliptic), the amount of radiation decreases towards the polar regions. The maximum values occur slightly south or north of the equator; their location is also determined by the incidence and type of cloud cover.
On the land area worldwide, this results in a solar radiation of at least 200,000,000 TWh per year. (For comparison: 9 billion people, each requiring 2,000 watts, would have a total annual energy demand of 160,000 TWh).

http://www.energie-atlas.ch/so-100.htm

The map shows the solar electricity generated worldwide (PV electric energy in kWh/m2).

http://www.oksolar.com/abctech/solar-radiation.htm

Related GENI Resources

Definition Solar Energy
Current Articles on Renewable Energy Resources and Transmission
National Energy Grid Maps

Links

International Solar Energy Society (ISES)
WEC Survey of Energy Resources
EERE Solar Energy
NREL Solar Energy
American Solar Energy Society (ASES)

IEA Solar Heating and Cooling Programme
IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme