SOLAR-RADIATION IN JAMAICA

Average monthly global radiation in Jamaica was calculated for the yea rs between 1978 and 1987 from values measured at 12 stations and from Angstrom-coefficient derived values. From these values daily global ra diation was estimated for various periods at grid points separated by approximately 10 km on a square. Three dimensional plots and contour m aps for the various periods were produced. The interpolation was based on kriging adopted by Hay (1986). A relationship between global and d iffuse radiation based on the Liu and Jordan (1960) relationship was o btained. The errors in the interpolated annual values were less than 1 0%. The maps were made available to the public with suggested usages o f solar energy. Diffuse radiation formed less than 50% of the total ra diation.