Very Short-Term Solar Irradiance Forecasting for Photovoltaic Power Integration with the Grid: Potentials and Challenges for Africa

Abstract

The inherent fluctuations associated with solar irradiance (SI) pose a significant challenge to power systems, potentially having a detrimental impact on power quality. Thus, SI forecasting can enable the efficient and robust operation of PV power systems and their integration into the grid. This paper provides a review of solar irradiance forecasting systems (SIFS) and the perspectives for short-term SI forecasting. It has been noted that despite the advantages of SI forecasting in the context of solar energy exploitation, its application in Africa remains limited. The challenges for SI forecasting in Africa are therefore, identified, along with the potential for very short-term SI forecasting for PV power system/grid management in Africa.