Examining the Climatology of Shortwave Radiation in the Northeastern United States


TitleExamining the Climatology of Shortwave Radiation in the Northeastern United States
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsHanrahan, J, Maynard, A, Murphy, S, Zercher, C, Fitzpatrick, A
JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology
Date Published2017/10
ISSN1558-8424
Abstract

As demand for renewable energy grows, so does the need for an improved understanding of renewable energy sources. Paradoxically, the climate change mitigation strategy of fossil fuel divestment is in itself subject to shifts in weather patterns resulting from climate change. This is particularly true with solar power which depends on local cloud cover. However, because observed shortwave radiation data usually span a decade or less, persistent long-term trends may not be identified. A simple linear regression model is created here using diurnal temperature range (DTR) during 2002 – 2015 as a predictor variable to estimate long-term shortwave radiation (SR) values in the Northeastern U.S. Using an extended DTR dataset, SR values are computed for 1956 – 2015. Statistically significant decreases in shortwave radiation are identified which are dominated by changes during the summer months. Because this coincides with the season of greatest insolation and the highest potential for energy production, financial implications may be large for the solar energy industry if such trends persist into the future.

URLhttp://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/10.1175/JAMC-D-16-0420.1
DOI10.1175/JAMC-D-16-0420.1
Short TitleJ. Appl. Meteor. Climatol.
Refereed DesignationRefereed
Status: 
Published
Attributable Grant: 
BREE
Grant Year: 
Year2
Acknowledged VT EPSCoR: 
Ack-Yes