Abstract:
Solar energy forecasting is considered an essential scientific aspect in supporting efforts to
integrate solar energy into power grids. Moreover, solar energy forecasting plays an essential role in
mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and conserving energy for future use. This study conducted a
bibliometric analysis to assess solar energy forecasting research studies evolution at the continental
(Africa) and southern Africa levels. Key aspects of analysis included (i) scientific research trends,
(ii) nature of collaboration networks, (iii) co-occurrence of keywords and (iv) emerging themes
in solar energy forecasting over the last two decades, between the years 2000–2021. The results
indicate that solar energy forecasting research has, on average, expanded by 6.4% and 3.3% in Africa
and southern Africa, respectively. Based on the study context, solar energy forecasting research
only gained momentum in 2015, peaking in 2019, but it is generally still subtle. The scientific
mapping illustrated that only South Africa ranks among the leading countries that have produced
high numbers of published documents and also leads in contributions to the research area in both
Africa and southern Africa. Three emerging topics were identified from the thematic map analysis—
namely, “solar irradiance”, “artificial intelligence” and “clear sky”, which implies that researchers are
paying attention to solar irradiance, using modelling techniques that incorporate machine learning
techniques. Overall, this study contributes to scientific information on the potential bankability
of renewable energy projects that could assist power utilities, governments and policymakers in
Africa to enforce the green economy through accelerated decarbonisation of the energy systems and
building relationships with developed countries for support and better transitioning to solar energy.
From a Water–Energy–Food nexus perspective, the results of this work could assist the scientific
community in Africa to take advantage of the inherent interconnectedness of water, energy and food
resources, whilst also advancing the use of integrated solutions to shape the focus of solar energy
research into a more systems thinking and transdisciplinary approach involving the interconnected
primary resources and stakeholders pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.
