Predicting Solar Power Production: Irradiance Forecasting Models, Applications, and Future Prospects
Research

Predicting Solar Power Production: Irradiance Forecasting Models, Applications, and Future Prospects

  • Overview of solar irradiance and variability in the U.S.
  • Potential applications of solar energy forecasting
  • Solar forecasting systems to interconnect more solar on the grid

Solar forecasting as a utility tool

How do companies map out irradiance solar forecasting approaches and how they are being used for planning and operations? The Smart Electric Power Alliance* (SEPA) identified seventeen companies globally that provided solar forecasting services and asked to complete an online questionnaire. Thirteen companies completed the questionnaire, all of whom work with utilities or related organizations. These companies use state-of-the-art solar forecasting systems to provide customized forecasts to meet their clients’ particular needs.

What’s in the Report?

The results of the survey are included in the report, including details about how solar forecasting systems provide customized information best suited to individual client needs. This report also provides a review of solar forecasting approaches and how they are being used by grid operators, utility companies, and other market participants for planning and operations. This report is based on a survey of the literature and interviews with experts from three broad stakeholder groups (ISO/RTO managers, utility managers, and research scientists).

*formerly Solar Electric Power Association

Predicting Solar Power Production: Irradiance Forecasting Models, Applications, and Future Prospects

Research report