As the world’s energy demand increases, utilities are leaning on sustainable power sources to enhance the supply to customers. Technological advances and rapidly dropping costs have spurred the growth of environmentally friendly solar power. In response, Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has augmented its industry leading weather forecasting solutions to include cutting-edge capabilities for solar power forecasts.
The complete solution covers the needs of both photovoltaic (PV) panel systems as well as concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, leveraging top-rated for accuracy weather forecasts to aid in generation and distribution of solar power. Weather model-based forecasts are available seven days in advance and are updated four times a day, as well as satellite imagery nowcasts updated every 15 minutes over a four hour timespan.
The updated features support all types of solar and solar power forecast requirements, with the ability to “train” forecasts using state-of-the-art machine learning techniques that apply historical data. As the system learns more about the unique location and patterns of a solar operation, accuracy is improved.
Now utilities and solar power generation facilities can improve power marketing choices, enhance generation planning and dispatch, and reduce penalties and costs. Plant operators can schedule maintenance around low-power periods and fulfill power purchase agreement (PPA) requirements; utilities can improve their generation planning and enhance distribution system control.
As part of Schneider Electric’s suite of energy-focused weather solutions, solar forecasts help utilities operate more efficiently and save money.
— Solar Builder magazine
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