Morocco is preparing to build new solar power plants and has restarted a nationwide programme to measure solar radiation at 12 sites. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) will collect data from sites in different parts of the country. The data will help assess how much solar energy each site can produce and decide the right size for future photovoltaic plants.
Masen plans to hire an expert through a tender to manage the measurements and collect the data.
The programme will run in two phases, with six sites covered in each phase. Six solar weather stations will be used for the work.
Each site will be monitored for 24 months. The equipment will first be installed, calibrated and tested before measurements begin.
Masen aims to have more than 98% of the raw data available and more than 96% of the filtered data available.
The stations will measure different types of solar radiation, as well as temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed and direction, and rainfall. They will also monitor solar panel performance and degradation.
The data will be checked regularly to make sure it is accurate. Masen will prepare monthly and annual reports for each site.
A real-time monitoring platform will also be set up at Masen’s headquarters. It will store the data and make it available for future studies.
The full programme is expected to take about 52 months. The data will help Masen assess potential solar projects before making investment decisions.
