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There is a map (Global Solar Potential) which suggests that much of China and the Philippines has the 'potential' of the UK (ie negligible). What fascinates me

There is a map (Global Solar Potential) which suggests that much of China and the Philippines has the 'potential' of the UK (ie negligible). What fascinates me is how this is measured. I mean Jakarta gets as much sunlight falling on it as anything else pretty much on the equator. Has anyone read the book and might be able to explain - I am guessing something like jungle vegetation blocks sunlight down at ground level, or lots of cloud cover. But interested.

googlryas 4y ago
Jakarta has very frequent cloud cover, especially in the dry season, maybe June-Sept. You can see by checking out satellite views, just click the day back repeatedly to get an idea: https://zoom.earth/maps/daily/#view=-6.0915,106.56352,9z/date=2022-09-03,pm https://zoom.earth/maps/daily/#view=-6.0915,106.56352,9z/dat...
mikewarot 4y ago
It seems that much of the area isn't favorable in either Solar[1] or Wind[2] power. The methodology page on solar[3] looks solid. "Shading by terrain features is calculated using high-resolution elevation data and calculated terrain horizon. Shading driven by buildings, vegetation and obstacles is not considered;" [1] https://globalsolaratlas.info/map https://globalsolaratlas.info/map [2] https://globalwindatlas.info/ https://globalwindatlas.info/ [3] https://globalsolaratlas.info/support/methodology https://globalsolaratlas.info/support/methodology
FlyingSnake 4y ago
I have read the book and its prequel "The Accidental superpower". The book is written from a very strong US centric viewpoint, which by definition makes it susceptible to bias and oversight about regions like South and South East Asia, Africa etc. He gets his facts right about many things, but some of his non-US centric claims come across as unsubstantiated and border on speculation. It is a fine read in parts, but I would be wary to take this as the handbook of the coming future.
ncmncm 4y ago
Global solar potential is badly skewed: deserts are a lousy place to put solar panels. Their only advantage is that overcast is rare. The best sites are tropical and sub-tropical calm fresh water with limited overcast, to float panels on. It is probably worth making a reservoir to float them on, even in a desert. Nobody knows how long floating panels will last, because there hasn't been time. Warranties assume they are very hot all day.
ZeroGravitas 4y ago
Not read the book but I believe the notable lack of solar potential compared with similar latitudes in North and East China is due to air pollution. There was a paper that estimated that China's installed PV could generate 10% more power (up to 30% more regionally) if they cleaned up the air. Obviously a bit of a virtuous cycle. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-solarpower-pollution-idUSKCN1U400P https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-solarpower-pollutio...

googlryas 4y ago

Jakarta has very frequent cloud cover, especially in the dry season, maybe June-Sept. You can see by checking out satellite views, just click the day back repeatedly to get an idea: https://zoom.earth/maps/daily/#view=-6.0915,106.56352,9z/date=2022-09-03,pm https://zoom.earth/maps/daily/#view=-6.0915,106.56352,9z/dat...

mikewarot 4y ago

It seems that much of the area isn't favorable in either Solar[1] or Wind[2] power. The methodology page on solar[3] looks solid. "Shading by terrain features is calculated using high-resolution elevation data and calculated terrain horizon. Shading driven by buildings, vegetation and obstacles is not considered;" [1] https://globalsolaratlas.info/map https://globalsolaratlas.info/map [2] https://globalwindatlas.info/ https://globalwindatlas.info/ [3] https://globalsolaratlas.info/support/methodology https://globalsolaratlas.info/support/methodology

FlyingSnake 4y ago

I have read the book and its prequel "The Accidental superpower". The book is written from a very strong US centric viewpoint, which by definition makes it susceptible to bias and oversight about regions like South and South East Asia, Africa etc. He gets his facts right about many things, but some of his non-US centric claims come across as unsubstantiated and border on speculation. It is a fine read in parts, but I would be wary to take this as the handbook of the coming future.

ncmncm 4y ago

Global solar potential is badly skewed: deserts are a lousy place to put solar panels. Their only advantage is that overcast is rare. The best sites are tropical and sub-tropical calm fresh water with limited overcast, to float panels on. It is probably worth making a reservoir to float them on, even in a desert. Nobody knows how long floating panels will last, because there hasn't been time. Warranties assume they are very hot all day.

ZeroGravitas 4y ago

Not read the book but I believe the notable lack of solar potential compared with similar latitudes in North and East China is due to air pollution. There was a paper that estimated that China's installed PV could generate 10% more power (up to 30% more regionally) if they cleaned up the air. Obviously a bit of a virtuous cycle. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-solarpower-pollution-idUSKCN1U400P https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-solarpower-pollutio...