Hourly clear-sky solar irradiance estimation in China: Model review and validations

• 61 commonly used Clear-sky irradiance models and 27 Machine Learning are reviewed. Those have been evaluated in various climate zones across China. The best performing model for hourly clear-sky estimation is obtained from this study. Some advisory advice can be areas with similar climatic types Accurate (CSI) a crucial factor most solar technologies improving cost competitiveness ensuring supply–demand balance. Numerous developed to estimate CSI, including Irradiance (CSIM) (ML) models. In study, CSIM 23 ML estimating CSI the land of China, using measurements observed at 35 stations China Ecological Research Network (CERN). results reveal that generally obtain outperformed accuracy than other Among all selected models, GPR3 model, Integretion3 Integretion2 attain better ranks each zone, global performance indicators (GPI) values 31.66, 30.27 23.01, respectively. top-ranked MPZ, SMZ, TCZ TMZ, while TPMZ Integration3 model. terms Iqabal_C worth recommending Kasten_I SMZ GPI −1.23, 5.94 −0.20. Bird Iqbal_C TMZ 5.69 1.92, This study offer guidance selection different