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About the Episode:

James Luffman, CEO of Solcast, transformed meteorology into a solar innovation. Pre-2016, real-time cloud tracking was scarce, until he filled the gap with his integration of global weather satellite fleet data into an API. Together with Dr. Dana Olson, Global Solar Segment Leader at DNV, they prioritize innovation and scalability in the solar sector. Their strategy, combining product-led growth models with advanced satellite tech, to revolutionize solar weather forecasting. This discussion delves into the nexus of tech, meteorology, and solar, highlighting the growing need for real-time and historical data to optimize solar performance in an industry once devoid of sophisticated weather forecasting models.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with James Luffman
- LinkedIn 

Connect with Dr. Dana Olson:
- LinkedIn 

Check out Solcast:
- Website | LinkedIn | X

Check out DNV:
- Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | X | Facebook

If you’d like to hear from another member of Solcast’s team check out episode 273 with Dr. Nick Engerer

Information on Himawari 8

Article:

PV magazine article: Canadian wildfires smoke solar irradiance data from Solcast

Key Takeaways:

1. Real-Time Forecasting: The integration of meteorology and API at Solcast has led to the development of real-time weather data forecasting for the solar industry. Solcast also has historical and TMY data built into its toolkit.
2. Innovation Through Investment: DNV aims to bring consistent data at scalable fashion across the lifecycle of a project. DNV steers 5% of its revenue towards R&D, bolstering innovation in the renewable sector.
3. Reading the Clouds: The emergence of "nowcasting" or real-time cloud tracking, along with advancements in "estimated actuals" have positively impacted solar forecasting and the solar industry.

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Antifragile
by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Thinking, Fast and Slow
by Daniel Kahneman

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ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.

If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.