Meteonorm 7.2 out now

The new Meteonorm 7.2 is available for download. The upgrade includes two new minute models, an enhanced aerosol climatology, updated irradiation time periods for Germany and Switzerland and an improved representation of urban heat effects. In addition, we have some exciting news about Google Sunroof and Meteonorm!

The particular strength of Meteonorm has always been the unique combination of reliable data sources and sophisticated calculation tools. We worked hard at both ends and are happy to inform you about these new features.

The price for a full version of Meteonorm 7.2 remains the same as before. For users who already have a Meteonorm license, we have prepared an attractive upgrade offer.

Alternatively, you can contact your preferred local reseller.

What's new?

New minute models

In order to accurately simulate large PV plants or energy management & battery systems, reliable time series of solar radiation with minute resolution are essential. There is a huge difference between hourly data and minute data: with minute data, the variation is higher, ramps are steeper and overshootings are more frequent (see graph). Unfortunately, the measurement of minute values is difficult and costly with ground sensors and even impossible with satellite data. This gap has to be filled by adequate simulation models as they are available in Meteonorm. As the existing minute models in Meteonorm did not fulfil the requirements in terms of accuracy anymore, we decided to design new models in Meteonorm version 7.2.

Meteonorm 7.2 includes two of the
best minute models
available on the market  

The first new minute model is the "Hofmann" model, as it was already implemented in the simulation software PVSol. Thanks to an agreement with the developer of this model, we have been able to include the code in  Meteonorm and thus make it accessible to everyone.

The second new minute model is an own development by Meteotest: It is based on real measurement data with minute resolution from all over the world. One-minute time series of 15 stations of the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) were corrected for clearsky radiation and classified by type of cloud situation, wind speed and solar elevation. Based on this data source we have developed a stochastic generator which is able to generate time series with minute resolution everywhere on Earth.

Our tests have shown that both minute models perform much better than the models previously used in Meteonorm.

If you prefer to rely on your own, site specific data set (third party satellite data or local measurements), you can import this data into Meteonorm and still use the minute models to create your own minute values.

New aerosol data

The correct representation of the aerosols in the atmosphere is a crucial basis for accurate solar resource information. Up to now, an own development, a climatology based on satellite and ground measurements of the years 2001-2008, was used in Meteonorm.

In Meteonorm 7.2, we implemented a new aerosol climatology provided by Solar Consulting Services / Chris Gueymard in order to use the most accurate data set avaliable in all calculations. The time period was extended to 2000-2015. The spatial resolution is now 0.5° instead of 1°.

Updated time periods for Germany and Switzerland

In Meteonorm version 7.2, German and Swiss users can profit from having access to the updated and more recent time period for irradiation data from 1996 to 2015. Thanks to this update, the provided data is as recent as possible. Given the strong positive trends in the past decades, it is very important to be able to rely on the most recent data for the planning of solar energy applications.

Urban heat effects

Because of the urban heat island effect, cities experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings. This effect needs to be considered by building and urban planners. However, meteorological stations are usually located outside the urban areas and thus they do not represent the situation of a city correctly.  In order to better meet these requirements, we have updated the algorithms in Meteonorm 7.2 based on the findings of the project Urban Green & Climate Bern.

Meteotest is a participant in the new Horizon 2020 project "PUCS – Pan-European Urban Climate Services" coordinated by the Belgian reserach organisation VITO. Within this project, the Meteonorm algorithms will be enhanced in order to include local urban climate as well as climate change information for the assessment of building energy consumption, heating / cooling installations and indoor thermal comfort. First results can be expected in 2018.

Google Sunroof meets Meteonorm

E.ON launched a new online tool for Germany which includes the technology of the award winning project Google Sunroof. This marks the first time that Google Sunroof data will be made available outside of the U.S. We are very proud that Google Sunroof relies on Meteonorm data for its expansion to Europe!

Interactive monthly European irradiation map

In collaboration with the magazine pv Europe, we have developed an interactive map of Europe for solar planners and installers. This service shows the monthly sum data of solar irradiation in your region, updated at the beginning of each month. Have a look!

Intersolar 2017

Of course we will attend Intersolar 2017 in Munich! Stop by at booth B2.337 to talk with our experts about the new Meteonorm 7.2, but also about our solar forecasts, about our satellite data or about solar energy in general. At the Intersolar conference, Jan Remund​​ will give a talk on May 30 about "State of the Art and International Collaboration in PV​".

We have created a new give-away to test your knowledge abour solar irradiation. Here is the front side of it. Looking forward to see you at our booth!

Meteonorm is 100% Swiss made!