The frequency distribution of daily insolation values

Frequency distributions of insolation values are needed in order to derive simple correlations for predicting the performance of solar energy systems. In this paper the frequency distribution of daily total hemispherical solar irradiation values on the horizontal surface is derived from measured data for 90 locations in the U.S. The results can be approximated by generalized distribution curves which depend only on the clearness index, defined as ratio of terrestrial over extraterrestrial insolation. The results agree well with the curves originally derived by Liu and Jordan, except for a correction at high insolation values. The deviation of individual locations from the generalized curves is examined. A breakdown according to time of year reveals some seasonal variation. The theoretical distribution corresponding to random insolation sequences is also derived; it agrees very well with the generalized frequency distribution curves.