DETERMINATION OF SOLAR ENERGY POTENTIAL WITHIN ZAMBUK TOWN, YAMALTU DEBA LGA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Muhammad Abdulhamid¹   and Ahmadu Muhammad Aliyu²

ABSTRACT

There are two energy sources, renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. Solar energy is one of the renewable sources. This energy is generated by means of solar panels. This sources of energy can be used as an alternative to the use of gas powered power plant and even hydroelectric power. Several studies have been made in different places for potential solar energy power. In this work, the solar energy potential in Zambuk town was determined from daily 2022 temperature data obtained from National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA). Using some physical laws, the possible power that could be generated in that area was determined under the assumption that the efficiency of the solar panels to be 18%. It was found that this energy has the highest potential during the months of March, April and Mayand has lowest value during the month of January and December. It was recommended other data are to be used to determine the potential within the area as this will reduce the over dependence on the hydroelectric sources of energy and will reduce carbon emission to the outer space.

Keywords and phrases: Renewable Energy, Nonrenewable Energy, Hydroelectric Power, National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA)