From research conducted at the German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Solar atlas for the Mediterranean region

Which countries can use solar energy reliably? A solar atlas that the DLR is creating together with international partners will provide answers to this question for theMediterranean region.

image solar radiation — The graphic shows solar radiation levels in 2002 expressed in kilowatt hours per square metre. As part of the project, the database will be expanded to include at least 15 years of data in order to better represent fluctuations from year to year. Photo/Graphic: DLR.

Its extensive maps, based on satellite and earth observation data, will offer dependable informationon solar energy’s potential at specific sites. To be released in 2012, the atlas will serve as a decision-making toolfor investments in solar power stations. “The solar atlas can help policymakers to design successful support policies forsolar energy. It can also assist investors in finding the best sites for solar power systems and significantly reduce investmentrisks,” explains project manager Carsten Hoyer-Klick of the DLR Institute of Technical Thermodynamics.

DLR/red.

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