Considering different solar radiation between various areas and terrain, and att enuation by terrain, atmosphere and other factors, along with the newly research trends, based on slope, aspect and shadow derived by DEM, a model of p otential solar radiation in Shanxi Plateau is established. By comparing with the daily solar radiation observed in three observation stations in 5 years, the re sults show that the model is feasible. The model was used to analyze the spatial and temporal distributions and variation of potential solar radiation in Shanxi Plateau. The model could also provide critical foundation for research of microc limate variation and microclimate index.