6th International Conference Energy & Meteorology: Abstract Submission

Objective and Background

The objective of this presentation is to show the value of accurate satellite-based irradiance data to solar plant stakeholders. State-of-the-art models have shown that satellite-based irradiation data can be extremely useful when available at high temporal and geographical resolution, opening opportunities for additional products and services supporting the development of solar energy worldwide.

Extensive validation results will be presented together with different case studies illustrating applications of high accuracy satellite-based solar irradiation data for solar energy projects supporting the digitalisation of the sector.

Method

Over 300 high quality meteorological stations spread across Europe and Africa are used for the validation. Satellite-based solar irradiation data is retrieved for the same location of the measurement stations. Hourly, daily, and monthly irradiation for all sites are evaluated by their root mean square error (RMSE), the standard deviation of the error (SDE) and the systematic part of the error (bias).

Different case studies will be presented showing how satellite-based irradiance data is supporting the development of the solar energy industry. 

Principal Findings

The bias error of the satellite-based solar irradiation data is overall in the order of ±2.5%. The SDE is in the order of 2-3% for monthly resolution and varies between 12% and 18% for hourly resolution depending on the region. 

The figure below shows the percentage difference between the analysed satellite-based irradiation data and ground station data measured over one year with high-quality pyranometers maintained by the national public weather services in Europe.

Concrete case studies will be presented, including: (1) Improving bankability of solar energy projects during design phase ensuring a smooth transition into operations, (2) Detecting under-performances during operation.

Conclusion

State-of-the-art satellite-based irradiation data services have proved to be extremely useful when available at high temporal and geographical resolution, opening opportunities for additional products and services supporting the development of solar energy worldwide. The undergoing digitalisation of the solar industry needs fast, easy, and reliable access to high accuracy solar irradiation data with large geographical availability and easy integration with mobile devices and applications. Today's users need quick and reliable access to applications, allowing them to make informed decisions.