Solar Forecasting
High-quality solar forecast data is critical to optimizing solar power plant operation, dispatch & operational efficiencyMultiple solar energy stakeholders rely on solar forecasting solutions to anticipate variable PV generation and make informed operational and market decisions
Independent power producers (IPPs), asset owners, operators and energy traders use accurate solar forecasts to optimize market participation, improve scheduling decisions, manage operational risk and maximize the value of solar assets.
Utilities and grid operators depend on accurate solar forecasts to anticipate generation from utility-scale and distributed PV systems to support reserve planning, maintaining grid reliability and operating power systems efficiently.
Accurate Forecasting with High-Quality Solar Data
Key solar forecast service considerations for stakeholders that need to deliver accurate solar power production forecasts include:
Expertise
Is the solar forecasting solution produced by an experienced staff of scientists, researchers and engineers with a deep bench of scientific expertise?
When researching a solar forecasting solution, be cognizant of the source and staff that generate the solar data. To ensure you have the very best solar forecast data, it is critical to partner with a company that offers solutions generated by experienced solar industry professionals leveraging the most accurate methodologies.
Security & Reliability
Is the solar forecast dataset available 24/7 and hosted in a reliable and secure environment?
Solar forecasting solutions are time critical and need to be secure, especially when historical generation data is shared to improve forecasts. A solar forecasting solution should meet recognized security and reliability expectations, including ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification and SOC 2 Type II auditing.
Proven Methodology & Accuracy
Is the solar forecasting solution built on a framework and methodology that is proven in a commercial environment?
A solar forecast solution should have a proven track record of delivering accurate solar forecasts to major solar industry companies.
Flexibility
Does the solution deliver a flexible level of forecasting to meet the need?
A solar forecast solution should offer a flexible product suite at variable time horizons, resolutions, NWP model blending, cloud motion vector modeling and more. It should be capable of providing deterministic and probabilistic site-level forecasts or aggregates for a portfolio of PV assets.