Comportamiento Espacio-Temporal de Variables Climáticas como Condicionantes para la Generación de Energía Fotovoltaica en la Provincia de Manabí, Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract

The spatiotemporal behavior of the main climatic variables that influence photovoltaic energy generation (solar radiation, temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, precipitation, and humidity) was characterized in the Ecuadorian province of Manabí. The Geographic Information System (GIS) ArcMap 10.8 was used to generate maps of each variable, facilitating the study of their spatial distribution over time. Data series for the periods 2005 and 2025 were used, along with topographic information (using digital elevation models). The results indicate solar radiation levels typical of equatorial latitudes, which favor photovoltaic energy generation, with higher radiation levels in the southern part of the province, intermediate levels in the central portion, and lower levels in the north, subject to the spatiotemporal variations of cloud cover (precipitation) and air humidity. Furthermore, the presence of gentle slopes and moderate wind speeds contributes to creating favorable conditions for the installation and operation of the systems in certain areas (especially in the south). The influence of variable weather conditions associated with El Niño or La Niña events was detected. In the latter case, conditions for photovoltaic energy generation improve, as temperatures are reduced (Humboldt Current effect) and cloud cover decreases (greater solar radiation), with higher wind speeds that would have a cooling effect on the solar panels.