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Modelling - FAQs
Solcast API
What is an API request? How many API requests do I need?
Hobbyists and Researchers
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Data Troubleshooting and FAQs
What timezone are the timestamps?User Guides
Subscription ManagementAccount FAQsUsing Solcast Hobbyist Toolkit
Manage your home PV system with free solar forecast data designed for home solar enthusiasts like you!
Solcast takes pride in providing free access to solar data for personal use only. This data is intended to help solar enthusiasts and Home PV system owners in monitoring and managing their assets.
- Up to 10 API requests per day
- Up to 2 Home PV arrays within 1 km of each other
If you need more than 10 API requests per day, you can reach out to our support team at sales@solcast.com. Simply state how much additional request needed per day and the reason for the request.
Getting started with Solcast Commercial Toolkit
A walk-through of your Solcast account
Our toolkit is a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate. Let’s start with the basics!
Above the header, you’ll find your API request status per day.
In the header, you can click on either the dashboard or your displayed account username. Adding your Home PV system can be done in your dashboard.
Clicking the drop-down arrow next to your account username will display various action steps.
Your API Key: Get your API key to access our servers. Learn more here.
Change Password: Click this button if you forget or need to update password.
API Documentation: Maximise the use of Solcast API with the detailed documentation here.
Contact Support: If you need any support, click on this tab or the sticky chat icon on the page. Our support team will get back to you as soon as possible.
You can also find helpful articles at the bottom.
Retrieve live and forecast solar data
Accurate real-time and forecast irradiance data are crucial in managing your home PV system. Our data can help you make smarter and informed decision on how to store and utilise your power. Here’s a guide on how you can access the data you need!
Setting up your Home PV System
Step 1: Click the ‘Add your first Home PV system to get started’ button. This will redirect you to a form.
Step 2: Enter the required details, such as Capacity AC/Capacity DC, Azimuth, Tilt, Installation date, and Efficiency Factor, to set up your home solar. Once you have entered these details, you can save and add your PV system.
Step 3: After adding your Home PV system, you’ll be redirected to your dashboard. From there, you can either ‘View site detail’ to check the data on your registered PV sytem, or ‘Add another Home PV system’ if necessary. Just remember that the 2 home PV arrays should be within 1 km of each other.
Read here to learn more about creating multiple arrays rooftop solar site.
Navigating your Home PV system page
If you’re ready to view your site detail, you’ll be redirected to a new page. Here are the things you can do:
Update your PV system
To make updates on your PV system details, click on the ‘Edit PV system’ button. If you no longer need the registered PV system, click on the ‘Remove PV system’ button.
Review your site summary
On the right corner, next to your Live and Forecasts graph, you will find the site details that you provided during setup. This is also where you can find your assigned resource Id.
Monitor the Live and Forecasts Graph
The graph displays solar irradiance data for the past 7 days, with 30-minute averages up until the shown time. The power output is shown in KW.
Download solar irradiance data
Below the graph, you can set up your output specifications before downloading the data.
Step 1: Select between live and forecast data, depending on your requirements.
Step 2: Choose the desired data format. Solcast provides both JSON and CSV options for hobbyists.
Step 3: Download the data by either copying the API URL or clicking the download button.
Note that time granularity for your account is already set to 30 minutes.
You’re ready to use the Solcast Hobbyist toolkit!
If you have more questions about your hobbyist toolkit, contact Solcast’s support team within your toolkit account or email us at support@solcast.com.
- Using Solcast Hobbyist Toolkit
- Getting started with Solcast Commercial Toolkit
- A walk-through of your Solcast account
- Retrieve live and forecast solar data
- Setting up your Home PV System
- Navigating your Home PV system page
- Update your PV system
- Review your site summary
- Monitor the Live and Forecasts Graph
- Download solar irradiance data
- You’re ready to use the Solcast Hobbyist toolkit!