Enhancing satellite derived irradiance data for taking into account sub-pixel structures relevant for solar energy system analysis - Current practice and future options

Abstract

Satellite derived irradiance information currently approaches the status of a standard source for irradiance data used in solar energy system analysis. Due to intrinsic limitations in both spatial and temporal resolution, these data fail to give information of the full dynamics of the irradiance field in space and time. The analysis of systems comprising a sensibility to details of the temporal evolution of the irradiance field (i.e. systems comprising short-term storage elements) and of systems with sensibility to the spatial inhomogeneity of the irradiance field (i.e. large photovoltaic- or CSP-power plants) require knowledge of the "fine-structure of the irradiance field. Thus, methods for a respective enhancement of the satellite derived data are needed. This contribution presents various approaches discussed for setting up fine scale input data for the study of solar energy systems.