Study on the assessment of solar energy potential for production of electricity: a case study of Uzbekistan

Abstract Solar energy is a well-known form of renewable energy because of its direct conversion to heat and electricity, limited supply, ease of use, and potential for storage. Finding and selecting appropriate locations for the use of solar energy is essential given Uzbekistan’s potential in this area, as well as the nation’s need for this kind of energy. Hence, it is essential to create a thorough and comprehensive examination of the solar energy potential if Uzbekistan wants to use solar energy as its main renewable energy source for the production of electricity. The development of solar power generation, both nationally and regionally, would greatly benefit from the application of such an analysis technique. This study analyzes hourly, daily, monthly, and annual data on the effective use of solar energy in Uzbekistan. According to these investigations, the maximum power from solar photovoltaics was observed in July. In this case, the average value of fell in the range of 11–13 hours was 1.43 kWh/m2, and the value of the aggregate during the day was 7.15 kWh/m2. The results of the simulation experiment were compared with the generation of electricity from a 4.5 kW solar power plant. Consequently, the annual electricity generation was 1224.18 kWh. The forecast figure modeled by the PVsyst program was 1428.24 kWh. It was established that the difference between the results of the simulation experiment and the actual performance indicators was 14.5%. Based on satellite data, the lowest indicator of the intensity of direct solar radiation in the territory of the country was calculated for the Fergana Valley (Fergana, Andijan, and Namangan regions), which varied from 1500 kWh/m2 per year to 1900–2100 kWh/m2 per year in the north of the country (Republic of Karakalpakstan, Khorezm region, and north of the Navoi region).