Forecasting Models for an Intelligent Use of Renewable Energy Based on the Prediction of PV Energy

Renewable energy has many advantages, such as low environmental impact and endless resources. However, there are also some disadvantages. For example, such energy can be highly weather-bound and therefore not always available. This sometimes makes it necessary to store this time-dependent energy. On the other hand, it would be ideal to adjust the power consumption to the power generation. Forecasting the produced energy in order to plan its use in advance is thus highly advantageous. In photovoltaic technology (PV), forecast based operation is very helpful to both electricity suppliers and plant operators. It prevents both the unwanted load peaks and the economic losses of the system. In this paper, a mathematical forecasting model is presented and validated. The main focus is on the forecast of energy production with PV systems. Electrical load forecasts are not examined here.