Model estimation of photovoltaic power generation using partial information

In this paper we propose a method for the estimation of the parameters of the well-known PVUSA model of a photovoltaic plant, to be used for generation forecasting purposes. We address this problem in a scenario where measurements of meteorological variables (i.e. solar irradiance and temperature) at the plant site are not available. The proposed approach efficiently exploits only power generation measurements and theoretical clear-sky irradiance, and is characterized by very low computational effort. Experimental validation is also presented. The proposed procedure is currently being deployed at several DSO control centres in Italy.