ATBU, Journal of Science, Technology & Education (JOSTE); Vol. 6 (2), June, 2018 ISSN: 2277-0011 Abdullahi, M., Shodiya, S. & Abdulraheem, T. Copyright © 2018 JOSTE. All Rights Reserved (www.atbuftejoste.com) 135 Solar Radiation Potential for Electricity Generation in Potiskum By * Abdullahi Madu, ** Sulaimon Shodiya and ** Abdulraheem Toyin * Federal College of Education (Technical) Potiskum. ** Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Maiduguri. Maiduguri. Nigeria. ABSTRACT Potiskum, located on latitude 11.42 0 N, longitude 11.02 0 E and Altitude 414.8m 2 was evaluated for solar radiation for the possibilities of it as a remedy to the fluctuation of electricity in the area. Gunn- Bellani radiation integrator was used to evaluate the solar radiation for this region. Data obtained from the period of 1990 to 2004 was analyzed for clearness index as well as Global solar radiation. This been the only data available using Gunn-Bellani at the station. The result produced was found to be within the allowable value with an average clearness index of 0.66. This means that the sky in this location is clear for most part of the year for solar radiation to be received on a horizontal surface. Hargreaves - Samani’s equation was used as a method of estimating Global solar radiation using climatologically data’s. The mean monthly solar radiation was obtained as 23.59MJ/m 2 which is within the threshold for which Photovoltaic cell can be used to generate power. INTRODUCTION Solar radiation has been identified as the largest renewable resource of energy on earth. The energy source is more evenly distributed in the World than wind or biomass, allowing for more site locations (Muhammad, Shodiya and Ngala, 2015, Muzathick et. al., 2011, Gungor and Yildirim, 2012, Okonwkwo, 2014). The maximum intensity of solar radiation at the earth's surface is about 1.2 kW/m2 but it is encountered only near the equator on clear days at noon. Under these ideal conditions, the total energy received is from 6-8 kWh/m2 per day (Gungor and Yildirim, 2012, Okonwkwo, 2014, Garba, Amusat and Ngadda (2015). Solar energy is not available continuously because of the day/night cycle and cloud cover. Its intensity varies according to season, geographical location and position of the collector (Musa, Zangina and Aminu,2012). Studies on solar radiation have become an important issue for renewable energy stemming from oil crises, global warming and other environmental problems, thus increasing the need for reliable measurements of surface solar radiation (Tiwari, 2012). The increase in energy consumption worldwide coupled with the grim fact that fossil fuels are finite, has led to an intensive search for alternative primary energy sources. Solar radiation was historically monitored by measuring the sunshine duration with Campbell-Stokes recorders. An estimate of the global solar radiation was then obtained through the well-known Angstrom–Prescott equation (Holman and Gajda, Jr, 1978). Although pyranometers are