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PowerCast

Plan every interval with confidence.

Advanced solar and wind generation forecasting for the minutes and days to come. PowerCast blends combinations of sky camera, satellite and weather model data with live plant data, giving you accurate forecasts for market submissions, bidding and hybrid optimisation.

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GENERATION FORECAST Solar output (MW) IntrahourIntradayIntraweek Now 06:0009:0012:0015:0018:00 Actual (SCADA) Forecast P50 P10–P90 SKY CAMERA · MC-001 34%Cloud cover 8 m/sCloud speed 6 minTo shading Self-forecast sent to AEMO Next dispatch interval · 12:35 12:30 Inputs blended live Sky camera · Satellite · NWP · SCADA
Satellite image of cloud bands moving across Australia

The challenge

The more predictable your generation, the better your decisions.

Solar and wind generation fluctuate with changing weather conditions. Reliable forecasts are essential for informed trading decisions, efficient dispatch and battery scheduling at hybrid sites. As renewable assets become more complex and market conditions more dynamic, forecast accuracy becomes increasingly important to operational performance and revenue optimisation.

Forecasts for every horizon, from minutes to weeks ahead.

The forecast you need

The update frequency, horizon and resolution your application requires, integrated with your systems.

Not just a forecast

Our analysts work with your detailed plant data to make sure you get the highest-quality results.

Accurate across horizons

Built for accuracy at every forecast horizon, consistently beating industry benchmarks.

Flexible integration

Connects to your endpoints via API, Modbus, SFTP and more.

Everything you need to forecast generation with confidence.

Key features

Intrahour, intraday and intraweek forecasts+
Live sky camera images track clouds over your site, satellite images follow the same clouds, and both blend into longer-term weather model forecasts, covering you from minutes to weeks ahead.
Robust and highly available+
By blending different input streams, the forecast adapts to outages in source data. Whichever sources are online, it finds the optimal blend for each forecast horizon.
Live SCADA validation+
Live SCADA keeps short-horizon forecasts in line with measured generation and continuously updates a virtual twin of your plant, recalibrating the derating of each array, inverter and turbine every iteration.
Forecast uncertainty+
Probability of exceedance forecasts (P1, P10, P20 and more) show the range of generation to expect, with uncertainty bands that adjust to changing weather.
Smooth and secure integration+
Having integrated with utility generators around the world, we connect to your system and coordinate data transfer every step of the way, drawing on our experience with cyber security requirements.
Self-forecasts in the NEM+
Connects directly with AEMO’s self-forecasting API, sending forecasts to NEMDE to support optimal dispatch of semi-scheduled generators.
Capacity Forecasting System+
Supports our Capacity Forecasting System in the Northern Territory, helping hybrid plants comply with PWC’s GPS requirements and maximise output.

Related products

BidPilot

Feed PowerCast forecasts into bid optimisation for semi-scheduled and hybrid assets.

Learn more →

MetCube

Sky camera images from on-site MetSeries units sharpen short-term forecasts.

Learn more →

SiteLink

Keeps PowerCast supplied with fresh site data.

Learn more →
Proven performance
4.5 GW
Generating capacity forecast
110
Sky cameras in operation
45
Large scale solar and wind farms

Technical specifications

Data inputs

Weather modelsNWP forecasts from ACCESS, GFS and ECMWF (by subscription)
SatelliteHimawari-8, Meteosat, GOES
Sky cameraImages from MetSeries units on site
SCADAVia API or Modbus connection on site
Site metadataProvided by site

Outputs

Generation forecastsEnergy (MWh) and Power (MW) forecasts
WeatherGlobal Horizontal Irradiance (W/m²), Direct Normal Irradiance (W/m²), Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (W/m²), ambient temperature (°C), wind speed (m/s), wind direction (°), relative humidity (%)
DeliveryREST API (GET), SFTP or Modbus

Integrations

Site SCADAModbus or API
AEMOSelf-forecasts sent directly to AEMO API
BidPilotForecasts used to optimise market operations of semi-scheduled and hybrid assets

Forecast modules

Intrahour30-second resolution, 1-minute updates, 1-hour horizon
Intraday5-minute resolution, 10-minute updates, 36-hour horizon
Intraweek5-minute resolution, 30-minute updates, 9-day horizon

Data retention

SCADA and forecast data1 year by default; adjustable on request

FAQs

What site data does PowerCast require?+

The site’s location and installed capacity are enough to run a forecast. The DC and AC capacity and location of your arrays and inverters improve spatial accuracy, and live SCADA greatly increases accuracy through autoregression and long-term calibration. Our analysts work with your site to make sure the data is correctly defined and communicated.

Can you provide retrospective forecasts or measurements for a greenfield location?+

Yes. We calculate these from satellite and weather model data, including estimates of real-time irradiance or wind speed. Sky camera forecasts are only available where we have a sky camera installed.

What resolution, update frequency and horizon do you supply?+

We calculate three forecast modules – intrahour, intraday and intraweek – each with a set resolution, horizon and update frequency, and blend them to suit your needs. See the technical details for each module.

How can we receive the forecast outputs?+

Via GET requests to our REST API, by SFTP, or by Modbus SCADA connection if one is established.

How do you receive SCADA?+

By Modbus connection, or by POST requests to our REST API.

How long do you retain SCADA and forecast data?+

One year by default, or as you request.

Is PowerCast available without sky cameras?+

Yes. PowerCast works with any combination of input streams. If sky cameras aren’t installed or temporarily lose communication, it keeps calculating the best forecast available for the requested horizon.

Ready to optimise your portfolio?

Let’s discuss how we can help you to unlock the potential of every asset.