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Cornell researchers develop model to predict wildfire impact on solar power

Many solar panels in a field
New York Governor's Office
/
NY.gov
New York State Solar Farm

Researchers at Cornell University have created a machine learning-based model that can better forecast the impacts wildfires have on solar electricity generation.

They say it will enable system operators to better match supply with demand and keep costs down by not running generators. Researchers say this will matter more in the future as the number of wildfires increases.

For more information, visit the Cornell Chronicle.

Bob Beck, a veteran media professional, currently serves as a part-time editor/host at WAER Public Radio and an adjunct professor at Syracuse University. Beck retired as News Director at Wyoming Public Radio in 2022 after 34 years. During his time, Beck won 5 regional Edward R. Murrow awards and 5 Public Media Journalists Association awards for reporting. He also won 11 PMJA awards for the news and public affairs program Open Spaces. He was awarded the Wyoming School Bell award for education reporting and was part of two Emmy Award winning television productions. You can find him on X under the name @butterbob.