Comparative Analysis of Solar and Wind Energy Potential in Bengaluru Using NASA POWER Meteorological Data

Abstract

This study presents a quantitative comparative analysis of solar and wind energy potential in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, for the calendar year 2023, using daily meteorological data obtained from the NASA Prediction Of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) Data Portal. Daily values of global horizontal solar irradiance (ALLSKY_SFC_SW_DWN, kWh/m²/day) and near-surface wind speed (WS10M, m/s) at 10 m height were retrieved for coordinates 12.97° N, 77.59° E, spanning 365 days (January 1 to December 31, 2023). Solar energy output was estimated using a panel efficiency of 18%, yielding an annual total of 357.15 kWh/m². Wind power density was computed using Betz's Law with an air density of 1.225 kg/m³ and a power coefficient of 0.35, converted to energy units (kWh/m²/day), yielding an annual total of 159.56 kWh/m². On an annual basis, solar energy accounts for 69.1% of total renewable energy potential versus 30.9% for wind. However, a notable finding is that wind energy surpasses solar energy during the south-west monsoon month of July (wind: 53.00 kWh/m², solar: 23.90 kWh/m²), driven by strong monsoonal circulation. These findings offer nuanced insights for hybrid renewable energy system design and urban energy policy in Bengaluru.