Understanding Solar Radiation Data in Our Weather API

Our weather API offers one of the industry’s broadest collections of atmospheric data, including more than 40 endpoints and extensive filtering options. Among these datasets is our solar radiation — or solrad — dataset, which captures the sun’s electromagnetic output.

Over the years, our scientific and engineering teams have continuously refined how this data is calculated, leading to major improvements in accuracy and modeling components.

In December 2023, we released version 2.0 of our solrad algorithms, introducing refined sunrise/sunset timing, enhanced atmospheric modeling, and additional performance upgrades.

What Our Solrad Dataset Includes

Our solrad dataset provides precise measurements that help users understand sun position and radiation intensity.ning.

  • Works using a regular smartphone mounted inside the vehicle 1

  • Captures HD footage uploaded directly to a secure cloud service 2

  • Processes data with computer vision and provides map-based results within hours

Why Solrad Data Matters

Solar radiation insights are essential across industries, especially for solar farms where the efficiency of panel orientation and tilt directly impacts energy production.

“We can now review the road network in less than a minute directly from our workplace, instead of spending hours driving.”

Tomi Keisala
Maintenance Manager, Waymo

Key Measurement Types in the Solrad Response

  • Our weather API provides detailed solar radiation metrics through the conditions endpoint. Each measurement contributes to a clearer understanding of the sun’s behavior at a specific location.

  • Solar Azimuth Angle defines the sun’s position along the horizon, enabling accurate panel alignment. It is essential for optimizing directional orientation strategies used in solar farms.

  • Solar Zenith Angle measures the angle between the sun and the point directly overhead. Combined with azimuth, it allows precise determination of solar position throughout the day.

  • Global, Direct, and Diffuse Irradiance (GHI, DNI, DHI) indicate radiation from different paths. These values support applications in renewable energy design, hydrology, and atmospheric modeling by providing granular insight into sunlight distribution patterns.

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What Makes Our Solrad Data Unique

Our solar radiation modeling benefits from the scientific expertise of the broader Vaisala group, delivering high-accuracy, hyperlocal results.

On-Road Data Collection

A smartphone is installed on the vehicle dashboard, continuously recording high-quality road footage during routine driving.

Automated Processing and Cloud Upload

Video files are uploaded to a secure cloud platform where computer vision analyses damages and classifies their severity.

Visual Map-Based Interface

Processed results are presented on a web map, allowing instant review without on-site validation.

Example request

Response

Using Solrad Data Across Industries

Our solar radiation dataset serves as a critical resource for a wide range of industries, supporting everything from clean energy production to environmental protection.

  • Solar Development

    • enables accurate site selection for solar installations

    • helps determine optimal panel orientation

    • supports long-term performance and efficiency modeling

  • Renewable Energy Forecasting

    • allows companies to estimate future energy output

    • improves planning for energy storage solutions

    • enhances integration with power grids

  • Environmental and Atmospheric Research

    • provides essential data for studying visibility conditions

    • supports air quality monitoring

    • contributes to climate impact analysis

Key Capability Areas

The RoadAI-supported workflow strengthened several critical aspects of infrastructure management:

Operational Efficiency

Field visits became optional rather than mandatory, cutting travel costs and freeing staff hours for higher-value tasks. Real-time access eliminated waiting periods between feedback, inspection, and decision-making.

Consistency and Objectivity

Computer vision ensures identical criteria for identifying and grading damages, reducing subjective variance. Standardized results also simplify collaboration and reporting between departments.

Preventive Asset Management

Early detection of micro-cracks and minor defects prevents costly future repairs caused by deterioration. Long-term planning became proactive instead of reactive, improving asset lifespan

Transparent Record Keeping

Stored historical video allows quick retrieval for investigations or liability cases. This supports fair, evidence-based decision-making and contract negotiations.

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Solrad Data Applications Table

Application Area

Purpose

Benefit

Solar Farm Design

Optimize panel tilt and position

Higher energy output

Resource Planning

Assess irradiance for water or energy systems

Improved operational forecasting

Safety & Monitoring

Track environmental radiation changes

Better risk management

Resource Planning

Assess irradiance for water or energy systems

Improved operational forecasting

Using Solrad Data

Our solrad dataset plays an essential role in many sectors, from energy production to environmental safety.

  • Solar Development: Accurate radiation data ensures efficient placement, orientation, and long-term performance modeling for solar infrastructure.

  • Renewable Resource Forecasting: Businesses can predict energy yield, optimize storage strategies, and improve grid integration.

  • Environmental & Atmospheric Research: Researchers rely on irradiance measurements to study visibility, air quality, and climate impacts.

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