An Advanced Model for the Estimation of the Surface Solar Irradiance Under All Atmospheric Conditions Using MSG/SEVIRI Data

A new advanced model for estimation of surface solar irradiance from satellite (AMESIS), designed to estimate with better accuracy the incident solar radiation at the surface from the spinning enhanced visible and infrared imager (SEVIRI) satellite measurements, has been developed. The new generations of sensors such as SEVIRI payload on board the geostationary meteosat second generation gives an opportunity to improve the solar irradiance estimation at surface with accuracy as well as the high spatial and time resolution for a large geographical area according to the needs of solar energy applications. The model developed takes into account the effect of aerosol, the overcast and partially cloudy coverage, and provides irradiance solar maps every 15 min both for monitoring purposes and for monthly, annual averages of surface solar irradiance. Cloud and aerosol microphysical parameters are retrieved by using VIS and IR SEVIRI channels, while surface solar irradiance is retrieved through the high-resolution broadband visible channel. Comparisons with the Global Atmosphere Watch station ground-based measurements of incoming solar radiation agree with the values retrieved with AMESIS model. The results show a very good correlation of about 0.99, a root mean square and a bias ranging, respectively, between 1 and 2.7 J/cm² and -0.6 and 0.4 J/cm² depending on the station.