Greetings, solar enthusiasts! Today, let’s delve into some recent findings from Solcast that offer intriguing insights into solar irradiance patterns across North America. For those of you who might be new to this, solar irradiance is a critical factor in solar energy production. It refers to the amount of solar energy reaching a given area and, as such, is crucially significant for solar companies and individuals considering solar panels for their homes.
In a riveting contrast, the weather in May divvied up North America into two distinct zones with very different solar conditions. In simple terms, solar company trouble in the East but sunny days in the West. The western and central USA and Mexico were bathed in higher-than-normal irradiance due to a strong polar jet stream and a record-breaking heat dome. However, the Gulf and East Coast regions saw lower irradiance due to stormy weather, marking a sharp contrast in solar conditions.
This large heat dome camped out over the Gulf of Mexico has created an ongoing heatwave across Mexico, with irradiance levels skyrocketing up to nearly 130% of average levels. Unfortunately, this heat dome is predicted to linger into June and shift its focus towards the southern USA.
Meanwhile, the southeastern USA felt the chill of irradiance levels dropping by almost 20% below average. The East Coast didn’t fare much better, with a drop of about 10% in average irradiance compared to May’s long-term averages. This situation is a potential cause for concern for those considering a solar array for home use in these regions, as the increased cloudiness, temperature-induced losses, and risks from hurricane season can hinder solar energy production.
However, it’s not all clouds on the horizon. Parts of the western USA are reporting sunshine for solar energy thanks to a strong polar jet stream that’s been keeping temperatures in check. An almost 20% uptick in average solar irradiance has been reported for these regions. This, coupled with the longer daylight hours, creates optimal conditions for solar power generation. It’s an excellent news if you’re considering solar panels for your home in this region!
So, how does Solcast figure out all these precise details? Their method involves tracking global cloud and aerosol activity at a resolution of 1-2km using satellite data and AI/ML algorithms. They then integrate this data into irradiance models delivering forecasts with a typical bias of less than 2%. It’s no surprise then that over 300 companies managing more than 150GW of solar assets worldwide rely on Solcast data.
In conclusion, understanding irradiance levels and how they shift according to seasonal weather changes is vital for anyone involved in the solar industry or interested in solar power. Whether you’re a giant solar company or an individual keen on setting up a solar array for your home, staying informed could help optimize your solar energy production and save costs in the long run. Until next time, keep absorbing the sun!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/05/31/gulf-heat-dome-and-polar-set-stream-shape-solar-outcomes-in-may/
