Screening and flagging of solar irradiation and ancillary meteorological data

Abstract

Solar irradiance and ancillary meteorological data is frequently measured by automatic weather stations for use within solar resource assessment for solar power plants. High accuracy measurement data are required for comparison and adjustment of satellite data and derivation of the expectable long-term mean value of the solar resource. Thus, utmost diligence must be taken during the measurement process and data evaluation to achieve data quality required for project financing. The combination of automatic data screening and manual flagging by an expert in at least daily frequency in close collaboration with a local station operator is the most recognized way to detect impacts on measurement data and paves the way for post-correcting data treatment where necessary and reasonable. This is the preferred and recommended procedure, resulting in highest data quality. The presented work is also understood as a basis for ongoing development and discussion among the corresponding expert group about screening of irradiance and ancillary meteorological data and its corresponding flagging. A common understanding and wide conformity about the screening process and flagging of data would be aspired.