Solar resource variability

Abstract

This chapter aims at characterizing and modeling solar resource variability. It is shown that understanding solar energy variability requires a definition of the temporal and spatial context for which variability is assessed. This research describes a predictable, quantifiable variability-smoothing space–time continuum from a single point to thousands of kilometers and from seconds to days. Implications for solar penetration on the power grid and variability mitigation strategies are also discussed. Models for predicting intra-day or intra-hourly variability as a function of insolation conditions are also depicted.