Solar radiation forecasting with multiple parameters neural networks

Neural networks with a good modeling capability have been used increasingly to predict and forecast solar radiation. Even diverse application of neural network has been reported in literatures such as robotics, pattern recognition, forecasting, power systems, optimization and social/psychological sciences etc. The models have categorized the review under three major performance schemes such as delay, number of neurons and activation function for establishment of neural network architecture. In each of these categories, we summarize the major applications of eight well recognized and often used neural network models of which the last two are custom based. The anticipated model are initiated and validated with 10 metrological parameters further in sub-categories. Evaluation of its accuracy associated with special flexibility of the model is demonstrated through the results based on parameter range. In summary, we conclude the best result showing that the delays, neuron, transfer function, model, parameters and RMSE errors are in range of 15 or 30, 10 or 20, tansig, Elman Back Propagation network, bulb point temperature or direct normal radiation, 9-10 and 25-35% training to the test cases. The review discloses the incredible view of using the neural networks in solar forecast. The work of other researchers in the field of renewable energy and other energy systems is also reported which can be used in the future in the works of this field. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.