Overview of the photovoltaic (PV) outdoor test facility at the Plataforma Solar de Almería (owner and operator: CIEMAT)
In the foreground is the photovoltaic test bench, in the background are the test bench for radiation sensors and cloud cameras. Reference measurements of various radiation parameters are also carried out here.
Understanding and predicting meteorological conditions and the available solar resource is critical to determining the yield of a solar power plant. Accurate meteorological parameters are therefore essential for the development and operation of solar power plants and energy systems.
Forecasts and data to optimise the operation of solar power plants
Researchers at the Institute of Solar Research use their expertise to improve the performance of solar power plants and overcome operational challenges. They determine relevant parameters for solar power plants and produce meteorological forecasts. These are used to optimise plant operation, grid operation and consumption planning. Researchers analyse the extent to which meteorological conditions affect plant performance and derive recommendations on how best to operate the plant. They are also developing standards and guidelines for solar resource assessment to improve the quality of meteorological data and its use.
Services for solar plant operators
The choice of meteorological data sets, forecasts, models and instrumentation can have a significant impact on the results of yield analysis, efficiency measurements or recommendations for operation. Commercial solar projects present complex issues due to the variety of options for parameters such as global irradiance or newer data sets, for example for soiling prediction or albedo determination.
We evaluate and produce meteorological data sets, measurement systems, models and methods, and provide development work and advice to solar plant operators in the following areas:
Agrivoltaics - Solar research
Energy meteorology - Solar research
Solar radiation - Solar research
Nowcasting - Solar research
Soiling losses - Solar research
Video on the measurement of solar radiation:
The PyranoCam measurement method developed at the Institute of Solar Research enables precise measurements of solar radiation data.
Video: PyranoCam
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Video: PyranoCam
The PyranoCam measurement method developed at the Institute of Solar Research enables precise measurements of solar radiation data.
