We are constantly working to improve Solargis. Below are details of recent updates to Solargis model and services.
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- De-biasing correction for TEMP data from CFSv2 model (applicable for period 2011 onward) was improved.
- Change in temperature values for period 2011 onward is mostly within ±0.5°C. The change in long-term average is even smaller. For details of TEMP post-processing method see https://solargis.com/docs/methodology/meteo-data/#post-processing-of-air-temperature-data
The historical database of meteorological parameters (air temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and air pressure) has been improved:
- The primary source of meteorological parameters for years 1994 to 2010 has been changed from the CFSR model (NOAA) to MERRA-2 model (NASA). MERRA-2 provides more stable results for historical years in some regions, eg. in South America, Northern, and Equatorial Africa
- Better harmonization of MERRA-2 database (years 1994 to 2010) and CFSv2 database (years from 2011 onwards)
- Post-processing of air temperature was enhanced. The accuracy of air temperature has been improved in most of the regions, especially in the mountains. Solargis output grid resolution for air temperature remains 1 km
- Precipitable water (PWAT) data is derived from GFS model (NOAA) in hourly resolution
- A new parameter characterizing snow depth water equivalent (SDWE) has been introduced
Solar radiation data for region covered by Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) IODC satellite was re-calculated for year 2017
- Solar radiation data for 2017 were re-analysed and gap-filling was improved
- Solar radiation data for whole 2017 are now calculated using satellite inputs from MSG IODC satellite. For period 1999-2016, satellite imagery is used from MFG IODC satellite. Previously MFG IODC imagery was used also for January 2017.
Operational data service is now available for South America
- PVSpot, FTP and web services can be accessed now in South America
Nowcasting service is now available for South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, part of Zimbabwe, and Mozambique
GOES-East (GOES-13) satellite was replaced by new generation GOES-R (GOES-16) satellite. A new Solargis model based on GOES-R data was released.
Basic features:
- Regular 15 minute time resolution (GOES13 has ca 30min resolution)
- Data from 2018-01-01 onwards
- More spectral channels allowing better cloud/snow/no-cloud classification
- Better spatial resolution (visible channels have 0.5km resolution, in Solargis model we use 2km resolution)
- Better geometrical stability of satellite images
- Same coverage as the older GOES-East satellite - same position longitude ca -75 deg west