Makara Journal of Technology
Vol. 29, No. 2

Assessing Solar Radiation Patterns in Sarawak using Measured Data and the Hargreaves-Samani Model for Photovoltaic Systems Application

Soo, Chun Yong (Unknown)
Chan, Xian Hwa (Unknown)
Wan Mokhtar, Wan Mohamad Husni (Unknown)
Mohd Rais, Ahmad Rujhan (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study evaluates the Hargreaves-Samani model for estimating solar radiation in five locations in Sarawak: Bintulu, Kapit, Sri Aman, Kuching, and Miri (Subis), using minimum and maximum temperatures as key inputs. Analysis reveals stable minimum temperatures (19.7 °C to 28.8 °C), supporting consistent solar radiation patterns favorable for Photovoltaic (PV) performance. Miri (Subis) recorded the highest daily maximum temperature of 44.8 °C, while Kuching had the lowest at 24.7 °C, highlighting significant regional climatic variability. Analysis also indicates strong solar potential in Bintulu, Kapit, Sri Aman, Kuching, and Miri, with radiation peaking at 7.5 kWh/m², though seasonal variations impact PV power generation. Initial solar radiation, RI estimates range from 2.49 to 7.81 kWh/m² annually, demonstrating substantial seasonal and regional differences. Re-optimized adjustment coefficients (k) indicate that Bintulu (0.190) and Kuching (0.186) exceed coastal standards (0.16), while Kapit (0.168), Sri Aman (0.175), and Miri (0.160) are below inland standards (0.19). These adjustments yield optimized solar radiation, RO values ranging from 2.15 to 7.351 kWh/m², confirming significant PV potential. Cloud cover varies from 20.3% to 100%, peaking during monsoon seasons and decreasing in drier months. The Hargreaves-Samani model demonstrated the highest accuracy in Sri Aman (RMSE: 29.63%) and Kapit (RMSE: 32.76%), with lower accuracy in Bintulu (RMSE: 59.34%) when comparing measured and optimized solar radiation. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing solar energy utilization and optimizing PV systems in Sarawak’s tropical climate.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

publication:mjt

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Electrical & Electronics Engineering Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology Mechanical Engineering

Description

MAKARA Journal of Technology is a peer-reviewed multidisciplinary journal committed to the advancement of scholarly knowledge and research findings of the several branches of Engineering and Technology. The Journal publishes new results, original articles, reviews, and research notes whose content ...