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Machine Learning Models Predict Solar Radiation for Solar Power and Crops

Affordable thermal data-based models predict solar radiation with high accuracy. Now freely available, they can boost solar power and agriculture globally.

This picture shows trees and a cloudy sky and we see sun light.
This picture shows trees and a cloudy sky and we see sun light.

Machine Learning Models Predict Solar Radiation for Solar Power and Crops

Researchers at the University of Córdoba have developed a suite of machine learning models to predict solar radiation, now freely available on GitHub. The study, published in Applied Energy, demonstrates high precision in estimating daily solar radiation values, crucial for solar power plant construction and crop optimisation.

The models, tested in diverse geo-climatic conditions, can be applied worldwide. They include neural networks, tree-based models, and others like Support Vector Machine. The research team used Bayesian Optimization to find optimal parameters, leading to significant improvements when applied to new locations.

The models predict solar radiation using thermal data, which is more affordable than traditional methods. The study, part of the Smarity project funded by Spain's Ministry of Science, was conducted in nine locations across southern Spain and North Carolina, USA.

The University of Córdoba's models, now freely accessible, can aid in solar power plant planning and crop development worldwide. The research, published in Applied Energy, showcases the potential of machine learning in harnessing solar energy efficiently.

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