NCAR Sun4Cast system aims to aid utilities in their solar usage

BOULDER — The National Center for Atmospheric Research said on Tuesday that it is making its Sun4Cast system available to utilities and private forecasting companies.

The system improves predictions of clouds and other conditions, allowing utilities a better idea of when to draw energy from solar arrays connected to their electrical grids.

After testing Sun4Cast at multiple sites, the research team has determined that it can be up to 50 percent more accurate than current solar power forecasts. This improved accuracy will enable utilities to deploy solar energy more reliably and inexpensively, reducing the need to purchase energy on the spot market.

NCAR…