In a new weekly update for pv magazineSolcast, a DNV company, reports that November proved challenging for solar energy in most of the U.S. and Canada as persistent cloud cover reduced solar radiation.
November proved challenging for solar energy in most of the US and Canada as persistent cloud cover reduced solar radiation, according to analysis using the Solcast API. Intensive low-pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean and moist tropical air masses created extensive cloud cover over much of the continent. While most regions saw irradiance fall well below average, South Texas, Florida and the northeastern megalopolis stood out as rare bright spots, benefiting from clearer skies.
Solar radiation fell more than 10% below the long-term average across almost the entire US and Canada. This widespread reduction was caused by dynamic weather patterns. Northwesterly winds from a record-breaking deep low-pressure system drove clouds from the Pacific Ocean over coastal areas and inland. Meanwhile, tropical maritime air masses brought moist air to the Deep South and Appalachia, resulting in cloudier conditions.
South Texas, Florida and the northeastern megalopolis emerged as exceptions to the generally unfavorable conditions. In these regions, clearer skies contributed to better-than-average solar performance, a boon for solar managers in an otherwise challenging month. The New York and New England ISOs each saw 10% more behind-the-meter solar generation than expected for a typical November.
In the latter part of the month, the Pacific Northwest and western Canada experienced a series of storms that brought heavy rain, snow and strong winds, resulting in widespread power outages and poor solar conditions. Likewise, the central US has been hit harder than usual
precipitation, including thunderstorms and snowfall around Election Day, while the Thanksgiving period in the Northeast was marked by rain and snow due to a low-pressure system. This contributed to the complexities of solar energy generation during the holiday season.
Solcast produces these figures by tracking clouds and aerosols worldwide at a resolution of 1-2 km, using proprietary satellite data AI/ML algorithms. This data is used to drive irradiance models, allowing Solcast to calculate high-resolution irradiance, with a typical deviation of less than 2%, as well as cloud tracking predictions. This data is used by more than 300 companies that manage more than 150 GW of solar energy worldwide.
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