The Australian Renewable Energy Agency will provide $442,000 in funding for an advanced cloud tracking and prediction system that will help maximise solar PV reliability.
“Fulcrum3D’s ‘CloudCAM’ forecasting technology takes a clever approach to cloud tracking”, ARENA chief executive Ivor Frischknecht said.
“The $904,000 project is part of a suite of ARENA funded projects to improve the reliability and increase the use of solar PV in Australia.
“Effectively predicting off-grid solar PV output means diesel generators can be switched on before production drops or solar output can be gradually ramped down, smoothing energy delivery and potentially allowing more solar to be used.
“Cloud tracking also has potential on-grid applications. At higher solar penetration levels accurately predicting energy generation is important for system stability, on or off-grid.”