Solargis Comparison

Solcast is independently validated as the lowest uncertainty solar resource dataset. Compared with Solargis, Solcast has lower uncertainty, is faster to access, and is cheaper and easier to use. Solcast’s mission is to bring you bankable data of top quality, faster, cheaper, and easier, and we think our database does just that.

Model inputs

The Solargis and Solcast methodology is relatively similar. Both are semi-empirical and are satellite-derived. Both rely on validated, published models to build a clear sky model, and use proprietary cloud detection models.

The input satellite imagery is similar, with Solargis using approx. 3-4km grids and Solcast using approx. 2km grids. Both datasets downscale solar irradiance parameters, Solcast to 150m and Solargis 250m.

Accuracy and validation

Both Solcast & Solargis models have been independently validated using multiple locations globally. Solcast’s model has been compared with BSRN ground station measurements, available in the public domain. You can request a copy of Solcast's validation report, and for further reading see error statistics for live and forecast data, and also for historical data and statistics.

Features

Satellite coverage

Solargis and Solcast both offer global data coverage.

Data access + availability

Solargis products are available via web apps, with some API access available. Solcast products are available via the easy to use with API access for all products. Both offer historic and forecast data, including Timeseries & TMY data.

Solargis and Solcast make data available to download in formats ready to upload to common PV modelling software, including PVsyst, Helioscope, SAM, Homer, Plant Predict and more. Solcast has direct integrations with PVsyst and SAM, where Solcast data can be accessed directly from within those PV modelling software packages.

Historical record

The Solargis database is compiled using high-resolution new satellites, and lower-resolution, pre-21st century satellites. Data coverage begins at 1994/1999/2006 depending on location.

Solcast only uses data from recent generation geostationary meteorological satellites (GMS). For this reason, we do not use data prior to 2007. Prior to this time, we find too many data quality problems including geolocation, poor temporal sampling frequency, and unreliable or bad data.

We are also conscious that in some cases climate change makes earlier history for some locations a less useful future indicator. This ensures our entire database is based on data of the highest possible resolution, whilst still containing 15+ years of data history from which to understand the interannual variability. Users can be sure our accuracy and validation statistics apply to all our data, not just the most recent half of it.

Data types + granularity

Solargis and Solcast both offer hourly TMY data and Timeseries data at various time granularities.

Parameters available

Elevation and altitude

Solcast maps altitude and elevation with a grid size of 150m², compared with a 250m² grid used by Solargis. In regions of extreme local topography, Solcast maps small elevation changes at a finer level than Solargis.

Additional Services/Tools available

Solargis has supporting simulation software (pvPlanner, PVspot and iMaps) that assists users in prospecting and pre-feasibility PV modelling. If you need PV simulation tools and features, you may be better with Solargis - Solcast is a data provider rather than a tools provider.

Price and access

Solargis does have a free pricing tier for their Prospect product only.