Global radiation trend in Switzerland
The graph below shows the trend of global radiation intensity in Switzerland since 2000.
This is our first attempt to visualise the trend of global radiation intensity in Switzerland from 2000 to 2022.
Legend
- Squares in Orchid
Each square represents the value of global radiation for the type selected above (whole year, summer half-year, winter half-year, January, February, etc.) in the year in question.
- Green line
The green line shows the trend from 2000 to 2020.
- Green text over graphic
The text shows the value of the trend per time unit (year, summer half-year, winter half-year or month).
Origin of the data
The starting point is the monthly values of global radiation (unit: W/m2), which MeteoSwiss makes available for use in non-commercial applications.
Calculations
- Energy
The energy per square metre and month is calculated from the average output per square metre of a month. The number of days per month is taken into account (including leap years).
- Trend
The values for the trend line are calculated using linear regression.
- Winter half-year
The months January - March and October - December of the same year are used for the calculations of the winter half-year.
First evaluation
- Since 2000, global radiation has increased by > 3.5 kWh/m2 per year at all altitudes. This may not seem like much, but over the decades it has increased significantly.
- Dank der höheren Globalstrahlung müssten vergleichbare Fotovoltaik-Anlagen heute mehr Energie produzieren als vor 10 oder 20 Jahren.
- We cannot judge what effects the higher global radiation has on flora and fauna.
- The collection of data from further measuring stations will enable a more precise statement to be made.