Real-time and forecast solar radiation data, worldwide via API
Using our proprietary cloud detection, aerosol tracking and prediction algorithms, we provide real-time and forecast availability of solar radiation around the world.
The data is updated every 5-15 minutes with each new satellite image, and instantly made available via our API services. Our live solar radiation data is available from real-time back through 7 days, and our forecast data extends out to 7 days ahead.
Access to Our Solar Radiation Data
We offer three different ways to access live and forecast solar radiation data, and each are powered by the same Rapid Update cloud tracking and prediction system.
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World API
The World API enables the user to retrieve live or forecast solar irradiance data from anywhere in the world at 30-minute resolution using only a latitude and longitude. The World API is best suited for users who need data from many locations or whose area of interest is continually changing (e.g. solar car), and who are happy with 30 minute time resolution. The World API still receives Rapid Update service, with new data flowing into the API every 5 to 15 minutes with each new satellite scan.
Pricing for the World API starts at $370USD/per month for 10,000 API calls and your first month is free, with no lock-in contract. Need more API calls? It’s only $20USD for each additional 10,000 API calls.
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Solar Radiation Sites (30 minute resolution data)
For users who have an application with fixed locations, and are happy with 30 minute data using the Sites API is best. This API comes with the added benefit of built-in accuracy assessment tools. Register now for the API Toolkit, and create your own test site, for free.
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Solar Radiation Sites via Utility Scale product (5, 10, and 15 minute resolution data)
For users who have who have fixed locations, and require 5, 10 or 15 minute time resolution. This data becomes available through the creation of a Utility Scale site in the API Toolkit
Specifications
In the table below are our indicative specifications. Once you’ve created your free API Toolkit account, you’ll be able to download our data for testing and review our detailed API documentation. Following the Specifications table, is an easy to use pricing calculator.
Solar Radiation Sites | Solar Radiation (via Utility Scale Product) | World API | |
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Locations | Fixed | Fixed | Flexible |
Pricing | $80 / site (first site) $40 / site (2nd to 5th sites) $20 / site (6th site and above) Enterprise packages available for larger numbers of sites. Contact Us | $99 / site (first site) $50 / site (2nd to 5th sites) $30 / site (6th to 15th sites) $10 / site (16th to 50th sites) $5 / site (51st site and above) Enterprise packages available for larger numbers of sites. Contact Us | $370/month, your first month is free |
Pricing model | Fee per site per month 100 API requests per site per day | Fee per site per month 1000 API requests per site per day | Flat fee for 10,000 API requests per month Add 10,000 calls for $20 |
Parameters | Live & Forecast:
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Time Resolution | 30 minutes | 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
Update Frequency | Every 5-15 minutes (Rapid Update) | ||
Timespan | Live: 7 days ago to present time Forecast: Present time to +7 days ahead | ||
Coverage | All continents (except Antarctica) | ||
File Format | CSV JSON XML |
Pricing (Paid Tier)
Once you’ve created your API Toolkit account, you’ll have the option of creating one Solar Radiation site (30 minute), one Utility Scale site (for 5, 10, 15 minute data), and will be granted access to the World API. We will provide you with 10 free calls per day for your site under our Free Tier.
If you decide you need to add more than one site, or need more API calls per day, you can use the below pricing calculator to estimate the costs of upgrading to a Paid Tier account. When you’re ready to upgrade, simply add your credit card information in the API Toolkit to start a 30-day free trial (which you can cancel at anytime).
LIVE
$50 (USD) per month
$20 (USD) per site per month
$10 (USD) per site per month
100 API calls per site, per day
Additional API calls at $0.002 per call
LIVE AND FORECAST
$80 (USD) per month
$40 (USD) per site per month
$20 (USD) per site per month
100 API calls per site, per day
Additional API calls at $0.002 per call
LIVE AND FORECAST (UTILITY SCALE)
$99 (USD) per month
$50 (USD) per site per month
$30 (USD) per site per month
$20 (USD) per site per month
$5 (USD) per site per month
1000 API calls per site, per day
Additional API calls at $0.002 per call
WORLD API
$370 (USD) per month
$20 (USD) per 10,000 calls
We may be able to offer you a bulk discount. Contact us or speak to one of our Enterprise partners, and let us know what you need.
USD, per month
USD, per month
Access to Solcast’s worldwide Solar Radiation Data is just a few clicks away
It’s our aim to make access to high quality solar radiation data easy and straightforward. With our API Toolkit, you are only a few clicks away from creating your own free account. Create your own Solar Radiation Site, explore the World API using a helpful widget, watch the forecast graphs change in real-time and check our recent forecast accuracy. The API Toolkit makes it easy to learn about how to retrieve the data you need from our APIs.
One last thing - we also offer long-term historical solar radiation data, back to 2007 in most cases. You’ll get free historical data credits on sign-up to try it out. Have fun!
Test now, for your site, free
Access solar radiation data via API (including CSV download) and begin your free trial in less than one minute!
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