Abstract: A method of forecasting cloud motion: gathering a time-series of satellite imagery; transforming the time-series of satellite imagery into a cloudiness index image by establishing an upper and lower limit of visible pixel values for time t; calculating the cloudiness index at each pixel location for time t to provide a cloudiness index image; applying optical flow modeling to the cloudiness index image by assuming pixel value constancy across time; assuming motion to be small and approximating the motion with a Taylor series; assuming vector field is smooth locally; selecting all pixels within d distance of location n with the same prior vector field (m*m pixels); solving system of m*m equations in the least square sense; repeat at multiple resolutions; and calculating cloud motion vectors from multiple resolution vector fields; applying the cloud motion vectors to the cloudiness index image to predict future cloud position and intensity.

Abstract: This application relates generally to systems and methods for validating solar irradiance nowcasts, solar power nowcasts and forecasts in real-time using a network of solar power systems and solar irradiance sensors. This application also relates to systems and methods for augmenting solar irradiance forecasts and solar power forecasts in real-time using a network of solar power systems and solar irradiance sensors.