Solar energy producers: Utilities and IPPs

Forecasting & nowcasting for utility-scale PV plants

As global solar energy generation reaches record levels and solar power capacity continues its rapid growth worldwide, Utilities and IPPs face quick and increasing pressure to maximize returns from their photovoltaic assets. Managing large-scale solar farms in competitive electricity generation markets demands forecasting precision that standard meteorological tools or satellite-based forecasters simply cannot deliver. CalibSun provides the solar energy production intelligence that renewable energy producers need, reducing imbalance costs, optimizing storage strategies, and securing the financial performance expected from any serious solar energy investment.

Optimize the management of your large scale photovoltaic plants

Accurate forecasting is the key to unlocking the full financial benefits of solar investments and maximizing returns on every grid-connected solar power system in the portfolio.

Solar forecasting to reduce financial penalties for solar power plants

To limit the financial penalties associated with the discrepancy between forecasted and real power generation, solar energy producers need reliable D+1 and intra-day forecasts. By combining meteorological models, high spatial resolution satellite images and real-time data from existing sensors on-site, it is possible to obtain a more accurate view of future solar electricity generation.

Integration of real-time irradiance and on-site power production data maximizes forecast accuracy.

Nowcasting to reduce penalties in complex climate

In complex climatic contexts – island, tropical, high-altitude or affected by the monsoon – conventional forecasts are not enough. Weather conditions are localized and changeable, requiring real-time observation of the sky. In the context of climate change, this variability is only expected to intensify, making real-time solar energy innovation increasingly critical for the sustainable deployment and development of solar projects worldwide.

Calibsun offers a nowcasting solution based on a network of sky imagers and weather sensors installed directly on site. Unlike a single camera, this network provides a three-dimensional view of the clouds, offering a highly accurate, minute-by-minute estimate of expected solar power production.

This industry-first technological solution enables anticipation by tracking cloud movements in real time and anticipates their impact on irradiance and power production which is essential for solar energy producers faced with high climate variability or self-consuming on solar energy needing to avoid blackout.

Solar Energy Storage: Forecasting and Planning

An accurate short-term solar forecast doesn’t just improve predictions, it directly increases the value of your BESS storage. By knowing exactly when and how much energy will be generated, dispatch decisions become smarter: charging and discharging at the right moments, avoiding unnecessary cycles, and maximizing revenue through arbitrage and peak shifting.

The result? Less battery wear, longer asset lifetime, and more value extracted from every cycle.

Our key elements

The tools solar energy producers need to turn forecast accuracy into financial performance.

On-Site Data Integration

Pyranometers, production meters and weather sensors continuously recalibrate forecasts with real-time weather conditions.

Scientific background

Backed by 15+ years of academic research and referenced in 20+ scientific publications and conferences (IEEE, EU PVPS, ICEM…)

Ranked 1st in benchmarks

Having ranked #1 across all evaluated benchmarks, CalibSun is proud to be the trusted forecaster for the world’s largest PV plant (20 GW).

Our related resources

Accurate forecasting is the key to unlocking the full financial benefits of solar investments and maximizing returns on every grid-connected solar power system in the portfolio.

Numerical weather prediction models (NWP): The 131-million data point engine behind your weather forecast

Understanding solar energy potential across all time horizons

Industries: what are the solutions for energy independence?

Storage and PV: what opportunities?

Probabilistic Forecasting Methods for Solar Energy

Solar Data Forecasting Models: Transforming Weather Inputs into Accurate Energy Predictions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of solar projects are compatible with CalibSun's solutions?

CalibSun’s forecasting solutions are built for utility-scale solar projects, including large solar farms, solar parks, and grid-connected photovoltaic power systems. The platform adapts to any total installed capacity, from individual plants to multi-site portfolios managed by Utilities or Independent Power Producers.

How does CalibSun help reduce the cost of solar energy production?

Imbalance penalties are one of the most significant recurring costs for solar energy producers. More precise intraday and day-ahead solar generation forecasts translate into better market bidding, lower penalty risk, and improved project profitability — making accurate forecasting one of the most impactful levers for cost control in solar energy production.

How does CalibSun's technology align with the growth of global solar capacity?

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar photovoltaic technology is now the leading source of new electricity generation capacity globally — a trend that is accelerating the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure at scale. In this context, operational performance and forecast reliability are decisive competitive advantages. CalibSun’s solutions are designed to support the development and long-term profitability of solar energy assets as the industry continues its global expansion.

How does CalibSun address the challenge of solar energy variability?

Solar energy generation is inherently variable — cloud cover, local weather patterns, and seasonal shifts all affect output. CalibSun’s INSTANT nowcasting solution, based on a network of sky imagers and weather sensors installed on-site, provides real-time sky monitoring to anticipate sudden drops in solar power production, minute by minute. This capability is especially critical in complex climates where electricity demand management, grid stability, and clean energy delivery commitments are under close scrutiny.

How does CalibSun support the long-term return on solar energy investment?

Maximizing the return on a solar energy investment goes beyond reducing imbalance penalties. By integrating CalibSun’s forecasts into an Energy Management System (EMS), operators can optimize the full storage and release cycle based on anticipated supply and demand. This reduces energy losses, improves overall plant efficiency, and maximizes the profitability of photovoltaic assets — making accurate solar forecasting a central pillar of sound solar project economics and long-term solar industry growth.