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Overview & Introduction
The Solar Irradiation Portal is an advanced forecasting platform that provides real-time predictions
of solar irradiance levels using cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies. Our system delivers
accurate, high-resolution forecasts to support renewable energy planning and optimization.
⚡
Real-time Forecasting
Get up-to-the-minute predictions with 15-minute update intervals
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High Accuracy
AI-driven models with validated accuracy for reliable predictions
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Location-Specific
Precise forecasts tailored to your specific geographic coordinates
Key Benefits
- Optimize Energy Production: Maximize solar panel efficiency and output
- Grid Management: Better planning for energy storage and distribution
- Research Support: Reliable data for renewable energy studies
- Cost Reduction: Minimize operational costs through predictive insights
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Getting Started
Begin using the Solar Irradiation Portal with these simple steps:
1. Access the Platform
Navigate to the main dashboard where you can input your location coordinates and select forecast parameters.
2. Set Your Location
Latitude: -1.2921 (Kampala, Uganda)
Longitude: 36.8219
Timezone: UTC+3
3. Choose Forecast Parameters
- Forecast Horizon: 15 minutes to 6 hours ahead
- Resolution: 15-minute intervals
- Irradiance Types: GHI, DNI, DHI
Pro Tip
For best results, ensure your coordinates are accurate to at least 4 decimal places. This provides the highest resolution forecasts for your specific location.
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Nowcasting Methodology
Our advanced nowcasting system combines multiple data sources and AI algorithms to deliver precise short-term solar irradiance forecasts.
Data Integration Pipeline
🛰️
Satellite Data
High-resolution cloud imagery and atmospheric conditions
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Weather Stations
Ground-based meteorological measurements
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AI Models
Machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition
Irradiance Components
Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI)
Total solar radiation received on a horizontal surface, including both direct and diffuse components.
Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI)
Solar radiation received directly from the sun on a surface perpendicular to the sun's rays.
Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI)
Solar radiation scattered by the atmosphere and received on a horizontal surface.
Model Performance
Our models achieve typical accuracy rates of 85-95% for forecasts up to 3 hours ahead, with performance varying based on weather conditions and geographic location.
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API Reference
Access our forecasting capabilities programmatically through our RESTful API.
Base URL
None !
Authentication
API access requires authentication via API key. Include your key in the request headers:
None!
Endpoints
GET
/forecast
Retrieve solar irradiance forecast for specified location and time range
{
"latitude": -1.2921,
"longitude": 36.8219,
"forecast_hours": 6,
"resolution": "15min",
"components": ["GHI", "DNI", "DHI"]
}
GET
/current
Get current irradiance measurements and nowcast
POST
/batch-forecast
Request forecasts for multiple locations simultaneously
Rate Limits
API requests are limited to 100 calls per hour for free tier users. Premium users enjoy higher limits and priority processing.
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Applications & Use Cases
Discover how different industries and applications benefit from our solar irradiance forecasting:
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Solar Farms
Optimize panel positioning, maintenance scheduling, and energy production planning
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Grid Operators
Balance supply and demand, manage energy storage, and optimize distribution networks
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Residential Systems
Maximize home solar efficiency and plan energy usage patterns
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Research Institutions
Validate models, conduct studies, and advance renewable energy science
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Troubleshooting
Common issues and their solutions:
Forecast Accuracy Issues
Problem
Forecasts seem inaccurate for your location
Solution
- Verify coordinate accuracy (use at least 4 decimal places)
- Check timezone settings
- Consider local weather patterns and microclimate effects
API Connection Problems
Common Causes
- Invalid or expired API key
- Rate limit exceeded
- Incorrect endpoint URL
- Malformed request parameters
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Code Examples
Practical examples for integrating our API into your applications:
Python Example
import requests
import json
# API configuration
API_KEY = 'your_api_key_here'
BASE_URL = 'https://api.irradiation-portal.com/v1'
# Request forecast
headers = {
'Authorization': f'Bearer {API_KEY}',
'Content-Type': 'application/json'
}
payload = {
'latitude': -1.2921,
'longitude': 36.8219,
'forecast_hours': 6,
'resolution': '15min',
'components': ['GHI', 'DNI', 'DHI']
}
response = requests.post(f'{BASE_URL}/forecast',
headers=headers,
json=payload)
if response.status_code == 200:
data = response.json()
print(f"Forecast generated at: {data['forecast']['generated_at']}")
for point in data['forecast']['data'][:5]: # Show first 5 points
print(f"{point['timestamp']}: GHI={point['ghi']} W/m²")
else:
print(f"Error: {response.status_code} - {response.text}")
JavaScript Example
async function getSolarForecast(lat, lon) {
const API_KEY = 'your_api_key_here';
const BASE_URL = 'https://api.irradiation-portal.com/v1';
try {
const response = await fetch(`${BASE_URL}/forecast`, {
method: 'POST',
headers: {
'Authorization': `Bearer ${API_KEY}`,
'Content-Type': 'application/json'
},
body: JSON.stringify({
latitude: lat,
longitude: lon,
forecast_hours: 3,
resolution: '15min',
components: ['GHI', 'DNI', 'DHI']
})
});
if (!response.ok) {
throw new Error(`HTTP error! status: ${response.status}`);
}
const data = await response.json();
return data;
} catch (error) {
console.error('Error fetching forecast:', error);
return null;
}
}
// Usage
getSolarForecast(-1.2921, 36.8219)
.then(data => {
if (data) {
console.log('Forecast data received:', data);
// Process your forecast data here
}
});
cURL Example
curl -X POST https://api.irradiation-portal.com/v1/forecast \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"latitude": -1.2921,
"longitude": 36.8219,
"forecast_hours": 6,
"resolution": "15min",
"components": ["GHI", "DNI", "DHI"]
}'
Best Practices
- Always handle API errors gracefully in production code
- Implement retry logic for transient failures
- Cache responses when appropriate to reduce API calls
- Monitor your API usage to stay within rate limits
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Additional Resources
💬
Live Chat
Real-time assistance during business hours
Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM UTC
📞
Phone Support
Premium users can access phone support
Available for enterprise customers