Can we predict energy output from solar farms? (Daily, weekly, or monthly scale) Predicting solar output influences energy supply reliability and purchases of coal and NG for electricity production. On a grid scale, predicting solar output is essential for balancing different electricity generation facilities and determining what time of day to ramp up fossil fuel generation. At the University, predicting output from our solar farm helps Abbott makes decisions regarding fuel purchases and when to turn on/off their individual generators.