SIMI is a proof-of-feasibility project that combines state-of-the-art satellite and radar data image processing with real-time data from ground solar stations in order to determine solar energy availability for the atmospheric conditions found in California. The web-based, near real-time information database generated by SIMI will provide a direct estimate of both current and prospective power availability for solar-based technologies in the state of California. The data will be used in decisionmaking egarding installation, incentives and policies for solar technologies through the consideration of complex geographical (direct solar availability, cloudiness index, elevation) and financial constraints. One of the important deliverable technologies of this initiative is an operational web-based GIS (Geographic Information System) that will facilitate the promotion and management of solar energy utilization in California.

UC Merced and UC Davis researchers will deploy two solar stations equipped with calibration-grade (secondary) instruments to measure local global, diffuse and direct normal insolation. The data from the ground stations will be correlated with weather, geo-stationary and hyperspectral satellite data (GOES-W, MODIS, IKONOS) in order to produce a robust physical method for determination of solar irradiance that incorporates the specific atmospheric conditions (aerosols, vapor content, cloudiness index, etc) found in California.

2009 Update:

SIMI is a new concept that combines state-of-the-art satellite and radar data image processing with real-time data from ground solar stations in order to determine and forecast solar power availability for the atmospheric conditions found in California. The web-based, near real-time information database generated by SIMI is providing a direct estimate of both current and prospective power availability for solar-based technologies in the state of California, as well as making viable the deployment and connectivity of solar power plants to the electric grid. The data and models under development will be used in decision-making regarding installation, incentives and policies for solar technologies through the consideration of complex geographical (direct solar availability, cloudiness index, elevation) and financial constraints. One of the important deliverable technologies of this initiative is a complete web-based GIS (Geographic Information System) that facilitates the promotion and management of solar energy utilization in California.

Researchers at UC Merced designed and deployed 2 advanced solar observatories at the UC Merced and UC Davis campuses. These solar observatories are equipped with calibration-grade (secondary) instruments to measure local global, diffuse and direct normal irradiance (DNI) in addition to a number of other meteorological variables. The data from the ground stations are being correlated with weather, geostationary and hyper-spectral satellite data (GOES-W, MODIS, IKONOS) to produce a robust physical method for the accurate forecasting of solar power availability for the entire state of California. Having the ability to forecast both short- and long-term solar availability is paramount to utility companies and large-scale power generators in order to implement an effective policy for solar power connectivity to the electrical grid. SIMI has being very successful in leveraging several collateral educational and research-based opportunities to impact the field of solar power utilization for the benefit of the people in California and throughout the world. The project has also exposed a large number of graduate and undergraduate students to the many instruments, methods and technologies used to study and forecast solar irradiance, and will continue to educate the next generation of scientists in this important technological field.