Validation of GOES-based insolation estimates using pyranometer insolation data from the United States Climate Reference Network

Hourly and daily-integrated GOES insolation estimates produced at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are extensively compared to pyranometer insolation data from 6 sites in the United States Climate Reference Network (USCRN) over a continuous 15-month period. Such a comprehensive survey is necessary in order to examine the accuracy of the satellite insolation estimates over a diverse range of seasons and land-surface types. Overall, the results are very encouraging with average root mean square errors (RMSE) for clear and cloudy-sky conditions combined of 20% and 10%, respectively, for the hourly and daily-integrated GOES insolation estimates.