simple model for estimating insolation from GOES satellite data

South Florida summers are characterized by small intense convective storms which lead to extreme variations in local cloud cover. Estimating insolation from high-resolution satellite data accounts for these variations. A statistical model is presented for estimating incident solar radiation (insolation) using 1km x 1km resolution visible images from the GOES8 satellite. The model relates insolation to top-of-the-atmosphere radiation, readily available climate data, and cloud cover (from the satellite). Regression coefficients were developed and verified based on one month of insolation measurements from eight ground-based measurement stations operated by the South Florida Water Management District. The model allows almost continuous areal estimation of daily or hourly insolation at resolutions suitable for small-scale hydrologic modeling. Model estimates are comparable to measured values at ground stations and superior to estimates derived from interpolating between ground stations.