As solar energy becomes a larger part of the electricity supply, accurately predicting how much power solar panels will generate has become increasingly important. Researchers at North Carolina State University have now developed a new forecasting approach that can improve day-ahead solar power predictions by up to 13%, helping utilities better manage the electricity grid. Since utilities must balance electricity supply and demand every day, they need reliable forecasts of how much solar power will be available in advance. To improve these predictions, the research team compared several types of forecasting models that use weather data and historical power generation records. For the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the multi-input method performed even better, improving predictions by as much as 13%.