International Journal of Advanced Engineering and Technology

Authors
Yusuf SD, Lumbi WL, Loko ZA, Usaka IG

Abstract
For effective development of solar energy devices and estimation of their performance efficiencies, knowledge of the solar radiation available on the earth’s surface is of utmost important. This study estimated the atmospheric turbidity coefficient and extinction coefficient in Makurdi for the period of five years (2010-2014) using data of visibility obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency of The Tactical Air Force Command, Makurdi. Monthly average values of turbidity coefficient and extinction coefficient were estimated using the Schuepp’s empirical formula and the Koschmeida formula respectively. Result shows that the monthly average turbidity coefficient ranges between 0.266 and 0.235 while the monthly average extinction coefficient ranges between 0.271 and 0.542. These values were high especially in January, February and December during the dry season, and low in March during the rainy season. The atmospheric turbidity coefficient is important for technological utilization of solar energy and for the purposes of meteorology, ecology, climatology and monitoring of atmospheric pollution.