RatedPower’s Solar Irradiance module is designed to deliver precise energy yield estimations for utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects by integrating meteorological, horizon, and albedo data. The module enables users to analyze up to 50 years of energy yield based on their plant design, accounting for external factors such as shading, dirt, and temperature that affect solar output. Users can select from various meteorological data sources—including NASA, SolarAnywhere, Solcast, SolarGIS, Meteonorm, NREL TMY3, Vaisala, and on-site stations—or upload their own Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) data in CSV format, with support for monthly, hourly, and sub-hourly intervals. The software automatically converts monthly data to hourly values for accurate lifetime energy production calculations. Horizon analysis considers physical obstructions like hills or mountains, while albedo data reflects the impact of ground surface properties on energy yield. The module also allows users to adjust site-specific parameters, such as minimum historical temperature, which influences string sizing and system design. RatedPower’s Solar Irradiance module is essential for developers and engineers seeking reliable, bankable energy yield predictions for project financing, design optimization, and regulatory compliance.

Key Features

Comprehensive Meteorological Data Integration Supports multiple data sources and custom uploads for accurate solar resource analysis.

• NASA, SolarAnywhere, Solcast, SolarGIS, Meteonorm, NREL TMY3, Vaisala, on-site stations
• Upload TMY data in CSV format (monthly, hourly, sub-hourly)

Automated Data Conversion and Analysis Converts monthly data to hourly intervals for lifetime energy yield calculations.

• Supports up to 50 years of energy yield estimation
• Sub-hourly data for enhanced accuracy

Horizon and Albedo Analysis Accounts for physical obstructions and ground surface properties.

• Horizon analysis for hills, mountains, and shading
• Albedo data for soil and surface reflectivity

Customizable Site Parameters Allows adjustment of minimum historical temperature and other site-specific factors.

• Influences module string sizing and system design
• Adapts to local climate and environmental conditions

User-Friendly Data Upload and Management Step-by-step guide for uploading meteorological data.

• Select source and upload TMY files directly in the platform
• Generic templates for unsupported data sources

Benefits

Highly Accurate Energy Yield Estimation Delivers bankable predictions for project financing and design.

• Reduces risk in energy production forecasts
• Supports regulatory and investment requirements

Flexible Data Management Enables use of preferred or proprietary meteorological datasets.

• Adapts to global project locations and data availability
• Enhances accuracy with sub-hourly and site-specific data

Optimized System Design Improves layout and string sizing based on real-world conditions.

• Accounts for shading, temperature, and ground reflectivity
• Maximizes energy output and system reliability

Streamlined Workflow for Developers and Engineers Simplifies data import, conversion, and analysis.

• Accelerates project development timelines
• Facilitates collaboration and documentation