Planning and Management of Solar Power from Space

Planning and Management of Solar Power from Space presents, for the first time, a holistic solar energy management and planning solution using Earth observation data and methodologies, giving an alternative view for precise electricity production and handling. Including examples of exploiting this solution by transmission and distribution system operators and solar power plants of both Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power(CSP) systems, this book showcases real implementations and benefits of Earth observation technology, thus providing solar sector professionals an approach for continuously monitoring solar energy production and atmospheric parameter forecasts in high spatial and temporal resolution.

By guiding readers in tracking solar energy availability in relation to time horizons and forecasting, this book addresses potential challenges in research and development since this technology and the extensive use of such data and services enable accurate solar energy estimations and forecasts useful mainly in energy production control and grid stability.

• Includes state-of-the-art solar energy nowcasting technology based on radiative transfer model simulations, machine learning, computer vision, and Earth Observation input data
• Presents real examples of planning and management of solar power from space, including exploitation strategies from transmission and distribution system operators and solar energy plants production optimization
• Features spectral added value products and on-the-fly calculations for operational solutions