Solar Energy Meteorology in Agriculture – an X-ray of Solar Irradiance

This study describes the role of solar energy meteorology in agriculture. The objectives of the study are to be familiar with solar meteorological parameters, evaluate the effects of solar meteorology on agricultural productivity and determine the solar irradiance of the Ado-Ekiti. The study was carried out using secondary data sourced for book, internet and from the Atmosphere 41 All-in-One automatic weather station of the Department of Agricultural and Bio-environmental Engineering of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti. Global solar radiation measured between 1995 and 2005 by Estonian Meteorological and Hydrological Institute was summarized. Also, sums and average solar irradiance in Ado-Ekiti as measured in the automatic weather station of the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti were determined and 1057 KW/m2 and 7.367 KW/m2 values were obtained for the month of August, 2020, respectively. The study concludes that these solar irradiance values are critical in the design of solar PV systems for crop drying, irrigation system and electrification of farms towards enhancing agricultural productivity in Ado-Ekiti. The study therefore recommends that the solar irradiance should be measured for a longer period of time.