Energy-specific solar radiation data from MSG: The Heliosat-3 project

Abstract : Solar energy technologies such as photovoltaics, solar thermal power plants, passive solar heating/cooling systems and day lighting in buildings are expected to continue their very rapid growth. In this context the availability of reliable solar radiation data is of high economic value both for planning and operating these systems. HELIOSAT-3 aims the quantification of surface solar irradiance in cloud free and cloudy situations and additional energy-specific parameters as direct normal and diffuse irradiance over Europe and Africa using the enhanced capabilities of MSG. Emphasis is laid on clouds, water vapor, aerosols and ozone and their influence on surface solar irradiance. Several projects as e.g. the HELIOSAT-3 and PVSAT-2 European Commission FP5 and the ENVISOLAR (ESA Earth Observation Market Development Program) projects made profit from the data access and additional MSG product information obtained through the RAO program. The paper focuses on results obtained during the RAO project based on funding in HELIOSAT-3, PVSAT-2 and ENVISOLAR projects.