Irradiation Data and Forecast
Satellite and Earth Imagery by Reto Stöckli, NASA Earth Observatory
What is SPYCE?
Starting in 2005, METEOTEST developed SPYCE, a web based system for monitoring PV systems. The core functionality of SPYCE is the measurement equipment independent delivery of irradiation data for PV system monitoring at any location in Europe.
How does SPYCE work?
> Current data: SPYCE determines irradiation at any location from satellite data. Based on this, irradiation on inclined surfaces is calculated.
> Forecast data: SPYCE forecasts are based on a GFS-driven WRF mesoscale forecast model covering Europe run by METEOTEST.
How can you benefit from SPYCE?
SPYCE delivers low-cost, precise, consistent and reliable data for monitoring your PV systems, without depending on measurement equipment or other infrastructure on site. Amongst others, SPYCE is targeted at:
- inverter producers
- power utilities and other owners of large distributed solar parks
- power dealers and grid operators
With the demo login (right) you can access a sample application powered by SPYCE webservice data.
How precise is SPYCE?
> Current data: Daily irradiation data has a precision of approximately 10%, monthly values one of 5%. SPYCE data is therefore in the range of irradiation sensors (5–10%), without their disadvantages such as soiling and failures. Due to the methodology used (spatial and temporal resolution of satellite data) hourly values have an uncertainty of approximately 20%.
> Forecast data: Currently, daily forecast irradiation data has an uncertainty of 25%, while hourly values have an uncertainty of 45%.