The ability to forecast solar irradiance plays an indispensable role in solar power forecasting, which constitutes an essential step in planning and operating power systems under high penetration of solar power generation. Since solar radiation is an atmospheric process, solar irradiance forecasting, and thus solar power forecasting, can benefit from the participation of atmospheric scientists. In this review, the two fields, namely, atmospheric science and power system engineering are jointly discussed with respect to how solar forecasting plays a part. It is concluded that the collaboration between the atmospheric science community and power engineering community is necessary if we are to further increase the solar penetration while maintaining the stability and reliability of the power grid, and to achieve carbon neutrality in the long run.
