When on-site irradiation sensors or pyranometers are not available, the Solcast API offers a alternative by utilizing satellite data to estimate solar irradiation. This solution is seamlessly integrated into Platform.
How It Works
Platform connects with the Solcast API, which leverages satellite-based data and advanced modeling techniques. Once connected, Platform sends metadata to the Solcast model, including the orientation and configuration of the photovoltaic (PV) panels. This information is essential, as Solcast calculates irradiation levels specifically tailored to the facility's setup.
Important Requirement:
To enable this feature, the solar panels must be set up within Platform’s Digital Twin environment. This setup ensures accurate modeling and forecasting.
Real-Time and Forecast Data
After the integration is complete, Solcast provides:
- Irradiation data updated every 15 minutes, allowing for near-real-time monitoring.
- A 7-day forecast, accessible directly within the Monitoring section of Platform.
These forecasts not only show expected irradiation levels but also offer an estimation of active power generation over the coming days.
How to Visualize Forecasted Power
To display Solcast-based forecasts within Platform:
- Navigate to the Monitoring section.
- Click on "New Column" within the Facility**.**
- Choose "Target Power (satellite) (Max)” from the list of options.
This new monitoring column will display a forecast with three different estimations, helping users plan and optimize operations based on expected conditions.
Snow Soiling Loss
The integration also offers insights into potential energy losses due to environmental factors:
- Snow Soiling Loss: Estimates energy loss caused by snow covering the panels.
Requirement:
The panels must be correctly mapped within the Digital Twin for accurate soiling loss estimations.
How to visualize snow soiling data:
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Go to the Monitoring section.
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Click on "New Column" within the Datalogger.
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Choose "Snow Soiling Loss (Max)".
Snow soiling behavior differs based on panel installation:
- Rooftop Panels: Assume static tilt, typical of residential/commercial rooftops. Snow clears more slowly due to fixed angles.
- Ground-Based Panels: Account for variable tilt (e.g., tracking systems), allowing faster snow slide-off and quicker recovery of sunlight exposure.
Additional resources:
Get more information here: Solcat Knowledge Base
Need More Help?
If you encountered any difficulties or need further assistance, here are some steps you can take:
Contact Support:
- Email: Reach out to our support team by emailing us at support@amperecloud.com. Provide as much detail as possible about the issue you're facing.
- Fill out a form: Complete our online support form. Please include all relevant information about your request, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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