Differential teleconnections between solar radiation and atmospheric circulation at the global scale

Abstract Atmospheric circulation shapes solar energy resources by regulating solar radiation variability. Currently, the relationship between photovoltaic resources and atmospheric circulation across different regions remains unclear. Here, we present a global classification of daily-scale solar-circulation teleconnections, directly linking atmospheric circulation to regional solar radiation variability. Analysis reveals marked regional contrasts: in Europe and India, photovoltaic resources respond mainly to local, surface-based weather systems, whereas in East Asia they are controlled by upper-tropospheric circulation located hundreds of kilometers away. Mechanistic diagnostics show that upper-level winds modulate cloud cover via vertical motion and moisture transport, exerting a remote influence on surface solar radiation. Based on this, a model incorporating circulation information is constructed. The results suggest that integrating such information can enhance prediction accuracy by 2%–8% across more than 70% of global land areas. These findings provide new insight into atmosphere-energy coupling, advancing understanding of climate impacts on sustainable energy systems.