- Calibsun | FUTURE
FUTURE
How it works
- Collect reliable weather data every 5 minutes during a year
- Robust and de-risked business model for PV asset development
Refine solar resource assessment by calibrating satellite data with on-site data
FUTURE is CalibSun’s solar resource assessment service, combining ground-based sensor measurement with a meteorological station and a proprietary digital calibration algorithm. Deployed as a self-sufficient, connected turnkey device, the meteorological station measures solar irradiance, temperature, and key weather parameters at 5-minute intervals over 12 consecutive months, with remote real-time data access throughout the campaign to ensure a seamless quality check. By cross-referencing on-site measuring data with historical satellite sources, FUTURE corrects systematic bias and delivers highly accurate solar energy output estimates. The result: a bankable data package meeting the standards required by investors, banks, and technical advisors for any photovoltaic power project.
- FUTURE
12 Months Of On-Site Measurements
The duration of 12 consecutive months at a frequency of 5 minutes captures weather fluctuations specific to each season.
FUTURE can be adapted to meet specific requirements: optional sensors can be added for bifacial or agrivoltaic projects, for example. The weather station, provided by our hardware provider partners can be deployed globally and is 100% self-sufficient, with an photovoltaic battery system, making it suitable for off-grid installation at prospecting greenfields sites.
Satellite Data Calibration
Satellite data calibration is performed by correcting historical satellite data using the on-site measurement campaign.
FUTURE enables the calibration of satellite databases used to establish a meteorological year of typical irradiance (TMY – Typical Meteorological Year). Calibration is carried out by correcting historical satellite data, which has a systematic bias of +/- 5%. The systematic difference between on-site and satellite observations is qualified, and then our algorithm processes the entire data history to correct the bias. This improves the performance ratio analysis and strengthens energy output estimates for photovoltaic systems.
CalibSun’s methodology has been scientifically proven to reduce uncertainty in satellite databases from 3% to 0.5%. This results in a reliable P50 yield and a reduced P50/P90 gap, directly impacting the cost of electricity estimate and the business model of any grid-connected solar power project.
Estimating the solar resource
A TMY, P50 and P90 data package recognized by investors, banks and technical advisors.
With FUTURE, we deliver robust P50 and P90 values, including both GHI and production over the lifetime of your project.. The associated variability and uncertainty are detailed for each characteristic (irradiance, temperature, soilling, electrical losses, etc.).
It is the foundation of the project’s economic model and a key element for investors, banks and stakeholders (experts, technical advisors, etc.). P90 is the reference value used by banks to size debt, so the higher the P90, the greater the borrowing capacity for the developer. P50, on the other hand, enables investors to assess project profitability.
- FUTURE
Our key figures
- FUTURE
Our key figures
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A methodology backed by experience & science
CalibSun’s expertise combines rigorous data science with hands-on sensor engineering to guarantee that every measurement feeding our models is validated, traceable, and fit for purpose. Our team configures each meteorological station according to site-specific conditions, selecting heated and ventilated pyranometers for cold and humid climates, for example, to prevent frost-related data loss and preserve measurement continuity year-round. Throughout the campaign, customers benefit from real-time data access and detailed quarterly reports, ensuring full transparency and continuous quality oversight.
CalibSun’s calibration methodology is not a proprietary black box. Our approach has been formally published and validated in Scientific papers, demonstrating that satellite database biases can be reduced from ±3% to 0.5%, the exact performance CalibSun delivers through FUTURE. This scientific foundation, backed by 15+ publications, gives investors, banks, and technical advisors an independently verifiable layer of confidence in our results.
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- Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about FUTURE and PV measurement
Why does FUTURE make a real difference?
From a certain photovoltaic power capacity upwards, accurately measuring the solar energy potential of a site is critical to its long-term economic viability. During the project design phase, developers estimate energy output based on historical solar radiation data, yet on-site sensor data are rarely available.
As a result, the economic model typically relies solely on satellite data sources that carry a systematic bias of +/- 5% and fail to account for site-specific conditions. This uncertainty can lead to significant over- or underestimation of the performance figures announced to investors and banks. FUTURE addresses this directly by providing calibrated, ground-based solar irradiance measurements as the reliable foundation for all energy production estimates.
What are P50 and P90?
P50 is the median solar energy output value (the reference estimate for investors) with a 50% probability that annual electricity generation will exceed this figure.
P90 is a more conservative indicator: it represents the energy output level with a 90% probability of being achieved, and serves as the standard reference used by banks to size project debt. The higher the P90, the greater the borrowing capacity for the developer. Both values are derived from a calibrated TMY and detail variability and uncertainty across all key performance parameters: irradiance, temperature, soiling, and electrical losses.
How is solar resource calibration done?
Calibration is carried out by correcting historical satellite data using the on-site measurement campaign. FUTURE service, combining a measurement station and an algorithm, enables calibration of the satellite databases used to establish a typical meteorological year.
Calibration involves comparing satellite observation data with data collected on site. The systematic difference between on-site and satellite observation is qualified, then a statistical learning algorithm processes the data to correct the bias and obtain a yield ratio as close as possible to reality.
What types of solar photovoltaic projects is FUTURE designed for?
FUTURE is designed for solar photovoltaic power generation projects where accurate annual energy and solar power output estimates are essential, particularly from a certain power level upwards, where the impact of satellite data bias on the economic model becomes critical. The sensor station can be adapted to a wide range of project conditions and configurations: optional sensors support bifacial solar modules or agrivoltaic setups, while the self-sufficient design makes it suitable for off-grid installation at prospecting greenfields sites. FUTURE delivers the solar irradiance measurement data needed to meet the standard required by investors, banks, and technical advisors.
How is data quality ensured throughout the measurement campaign?
FUTURE’s connected sensor station measures solar irradiance and temperature at 5-minute intervals, with real-time digital access to all stored data provided to customers throughout the campaign. CalibSun’s technical team conducts a thorough quality check at every stage. Operational monitoring of the data collected on site ensures that every data point meets the highest standard before satellite data processing. We deliver an error-free GHI time-series and a robust TMY (Typical Meteorological Year) for the Yield Report. Detailed quarterly reports are shared throughout the measurement campaign.
