A new method for estimating the irradiance on a partially shaded photovoltaic generator system is proposed. The basic principle of this method consists of two parts: firstly, an approximation of the obstacles' outline or the local horizon by a set of linear functions. Here, a survey of the surroundings is based on the reading of the topographic coordinates of the only significant points of all the objects surrounding the photovoltaic generator. Secondly, the irradiance on the photovoltaic plane is estimated using an accurate model such as the Perez et al. model and assuming that the shading affects both the direct radiation and a part of the diffuse component (circumsolar component). The aim of this paper is to present the principles of the proposed method and the algorithm used for calculating the irradiance on shaded planes. In addition, the results of the comparison between the simulated and measured values of this method are presented. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.