Solar irradiance statistical analysis in Mexico City from 2018 to 2021

TL;DR

This study analyzes solar irradiance data from Mexico City between 2018 and 2021, finding no significant variation in solar energy levels over the years, which supports its potential for sustainable energy applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive statistical analysis of solar irradiance in Mexico City over four years using open data, highlighting stability in solar energy potential.

Findings

No variation in solar irradiance over the studied period

Average, maximum, and mean irradiance values calculated

Supports solar energy feasibility in Mexico City

Abstract

Solar radiation is made up of three components of electromagnetic waves: infrared, visible and ultraviolet. The infrared component is the cause of thermal energy, the visible spectrum allows to see through the eyes and the ultraviolet component is the most energetic and damaging. Solar radiation has several benefits, such as helping to synthesize vitamin D in the skin, favors blood circulation, among others benefits for the human body. In the Earth, it is the main source of energy for agriculture, also used as an alternative source of energy to hydrocarbons, through solar cells. The solar irradiance represents the surface power density with units W/m$^2$ in SI. Too much exposure can cause damage and an increase in value over the time can be can be also damaging. In this work it was used an open data base provided by Secretar\'ia del Medio Ambiente, from which a statistical analysis was performed of the solar irradiance values measured at various meteorological stations in Mexico City and the so-called metropolitan area, from 2018 to 2021. This analysis was carried out per years, months and days. From the solar irradiance values distributions, it was obtained the averages, maximums and means were it was found there was no variation in the solar irradiance values over this period of years.