If good-quality irradiation measurements for period of at least 9-12 months are available from vicinity of project site, Solargis satellite-derived data can be site-adapted with objective of improving overall bias and fit of the frequency distribution function. As a result of improved irradiation inputs, uncertainty of estimated energy output is reduced.
The data adaptation is effective for mitigating systematic problems in the satellite-derived data such as under/over-estimation of local aerosol loads, especially when the magnitude of this deviation is invariant over the time or has a seasonal periodicity. The accuracy-enhancement methods are capable to adapt satellite-derived DNI and GHI data to the local climate conditions that cannot be recorded in the original satellite and atmospheric inputs. However, the methods have to be used carefully, as inappropriate data adaptation approaches may even result in accuracy degradation.
As developers of the Solargis model, and with experience of working with irradiation and meteorological measurement from hundreds of sites globally, we are best placed to further improve accuracy of Solargis data when on-site measurements are available.
Successful site adaptation requires use of irradiation measurements that have substantially lower uncertainty that of the primary satellite derived data. However, irradiation measurements are subject to several sources of error. Therefore prior to using GHI and DNI measurements for adaptation of Solargis data, we assess the quality of the measurements. Data readings that do not pass QA tests are flagged and excluded.
Learn moreData parameters that are used as inputs in the Solargis model i.e. Aerosol Optical Depth, Water Vapour, and Cloud Index, are adapted with the objective of reducing bias, RMSD, and KSI (between modeled and measured datasets).
GHI and DNI data are re-computed using Solargis model and the adapted model inputs. As a result, bias of modeled values is typically reduced to within ±1%, and RMSD and KSI are also reduced
After recalculation of GHI and DNI data with adapted model inputs, small bias may still remain. This is removed using statistical adaptation approaches. Modification of model inputs as first step, helps maintain GHI-DNI consistency and diurnal profile of the dataset.
Site adaptation of Solargis time series can be performed only when 12+ months of measurements are made available. Occasionally, if potential to reduce uncertainty is high, this criterion can be relaxed and measurement that are available for a shorter period, but at least 9 months, can be used. In such case only a small reduction of data uncertainty can be achieved. Use of less than 9 months of measured data for site-adaption could result in misleading results.
Ground measurements of solar resource from meteo station located few kms away from project site can be used provided the local conditions at location of meteo station is representative of the local conditions at project site.
It is possible to perform site-adaptation with several hours missing as long as the remaining data readings are of high quality. However, large amount of missing data is typically a signal that the measurement campaign was not run professionally and thus probability of occurrence of other issues with the data is higher.
Acquisition of ground measured solar irradiance data without errors and gaps is a challenging task. Our experience shows that it is best to leave this task to a specialized experts. Every year we receive numerous solar data sets from our customers – however, not all of them are of good quality. Few providers with whom we have had positive experience, and whose services we can vouch for are listed here.
