Forecasting irradiance using satellite imagery

Reuniwatt places its skills in utilising satellite images in order to provide the most accurate solar irradiance forecasts. Its latest research in this field will be presented at the next EU PVSEC conference, the largest international Conference for Photovoltaic research, technologies and applications, which will take place in Hamburg, Germany, from 14-18 September.

Assessing past PV productions

Reuniwatt provides accurate irradiance data thanks to the analysis of past satellite images. Available world-wide, the data are presented either in the form of long-term climatic averages or in the form of high-resolution time series. Both these outputs are crucial for project developments: site evaluation, performance calculation, component sizing. Namely, high-resolution time series are useful to simulate hybrid projects involving storage or gensets aside from solar panels.

World-wide real-time irradiance forecasts using satellite imagery

Reuniwatt is a renowned solar irradiance forecast provider. It can deliver both irradiance and PV production forecasts in real-time and up to six hours ahead anywhere in the world thanks to satellite imagery. Indeed, Reuniwatt’s models use data from five different satellites, which cover the entire surface of the Earth. These satellites have a spatial resolution of up to 1km and updated pictures are available every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the satellite. Accurate solar radiation forecasting during a PV plant’s operational phase ensures to get the most of solar production on the spot energy market, or to have an optimal control of the plant.

A widespread need for solar irradiance and production forecasting

As solar is bound to become the first source of energy in the years to come according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the issue of managing the predictability of intermittent renewable energy sources has become essential. It is an absolute necessity to efficiently plan and operate PV power systems and to estimate the energy load. All the stakeholders in the solar energy value chain require solar energy to be made as reliable as possible. Intraday forecasts are becoming more and more important. In this context, Reuniwatt’s exclusive forecasting tool Soleka uses satellite technologies to offer the best precision in accordance with the stakeholders’ diverse needs for this time horizon (from 30 minutes up to 6 hours ahead).

This year, Reuniwatt will participate in several presentations at EU PVSEC: