Indonesia is one of the Southeast Asian countries that enjoys higher than long-term average solar irradiance. Image: Quantum Power.
In 2023, solar irradiance in Southeast Asia is projected to exceed the long-term average by 10%.
According to Solargis, a provider of weather data and software, last year witnessed a remarkable 10% increase in solar irradiance in Southeast Asia, making this region the top-performing area globally in terms of solar energy generation.
Despite 2023 being marked as the hottest year on record, coupled with extreme weather events attributed to climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, Solargis reported that global solar irradiance remained relatively stable or even increased in certain regions.
Due to favorable weather conditions and reduced cloud cover, specific regions such as Southeast Asia and Australia experienced elevated levels of solar irradiance. Southeast Asia surpassed its long-term solar irradiance average by 10%, while Australia exceeded its average by 2%.
In Europe, particularly in the southern Nordic regions, solar irradiance levels were higher than average. Most regions on the continent surpassed their long-term solar irradiance averages by percentages ranging from 1% to 7%. Solargis attributed this increase to reduced cloudiness and rainfall in the area.
India faced a widespread decrease in solar irradiance, primarily due to an extended monsoon season, resulting in reduced availability of solar resources across most parts of the country. Central India’s solar irradiance was below its long-term average by 1% to 5%. However, Southern India bucked the trend with solar irradiance levels exceeding the long-term average by up to 5%, attributed to exceptionally dry and sunny conditions in June and August.
The Americas experienced a mixed range of solar irradiance levels. In the United States, certain regions benefited from the El Niño effect, resulting in increased sunshine and reduced precipitation. Additionally, Central America showcased solar irradiance levels higher than the long-term average.
La Niña had an impact on certain regions of South America, particularly Southern Brazil, leading to a decrease in solar resource availability.
Marcel Suri, CEO and founder of Solargis, expressed that solar power emerged as a beacon of hope in 2023 amid an unparalleled climate crisis and escalating global temperatures. According to their analysis, solar irradiance remained stable or even surpassed the usual levels in numerous regions, providing support for the expansion and competitiveness of the solar industry compared to other energy sources.
While many regions experienced increased solar irradiance, it is important to note that extreme weather conditions posed a risk to solar projects at the local level. For instance, the United States and Australia witnessed more frequent and severe hailstorms, resulting in losses for solar projects and impacting their insurability.
According to a report from renewable energy project underwriter Gcuble insurance, hail claims averaged nearly US$58.4 million per claim.
Solargis recommended that stakeholders in the solar industry focus on key areas to enhance preparedness for extreme weather events in the coming years. These areas include ensuring stable power grids, addressing solar financing in developing economies, and strengthening supply chain capacity. By addressing these aspects, the solar industry can better navigate the challenges posed by extreme weather events in 2024 and beyond.
PV Tech recently published an article that examines the reasons for solar insurers tightening business interruption and equipment breakdown terms.
Suri emphasized the growing importance for stakeholders to closely monitor and analyze solar resource trends. In light of the varying extremes we face, stakeholders must strengthen their capabilities in monitoring, analysis, and optimization to mitigate risks and fully embrace the unstoppable rise of solar power in the global energy landscape.
