From my experience with Renewables.ninja, I found it excels at providing accessible, high-resolution renewable energy simulations that are invaluable for early-stage project assessment and academic research. The platform’s global coverage and customizable parameters make it a versatile tool for energy planners and developers. However, it’s important to remember that the data are modeled estimates and should be supplemented with local measurements for critical decisions. Overall, if you need reliable solar and wind generation time series data without investing in expensive instrumentation, Renewables.ninja delivers solid and practical results.
Renewable Energy Data Simulation and Analysis Tool for Solar and Wind Power
Renewables.ninja is an online tool that simulates solar and wind power generation worldwide using historical weather data, providing hourly time series data for energy planning and research.
- Best for
- Renewable Energy Resource Assessment
- Key capability
- Global Coverage

What is Renewables.ninja?
Renewables.ninja is an online platform developed by Imperial College London that provides simulated time series data for solar photovoltaic and wind power generation worldwide. It uses advanced weather and climate models combined with satellite and reanalysis data to estimate renewable energy output at any location. This tool helps energy planners, researchers, and developers assess renewable resource availability and variability without requiring costly on-site measurements.

Key features of Renewables.ninja
The platform offers high-resolution hourly data for solar and wind power generation, an easy-to-use web interface for data queries, and an API for automated access. It supports multiple solar panel configurations and wind turbine types, providing customizable and location-specific renewable energy simulations.
Global Coverage
Simulate solar and wind power generation anywhere on Earth using comprehensive weather datasets.
High Temporal Resolution
Provides hourly data to capture detailed variability and patterns in renewable energy output.
Customizable Configurations
Adjust solar panel angles, wind turbine specifications, and other parameters to match specific project needs.
API Access
Automate data retrieval and integration into external energy modeling tools via a RESTful API.
Free Tier Available
Access basic simulation features and limited data downloads at no cost.
Pros and cons of Renewables.ninja
Pros
- Global and detailed renewable energy simulations
- User-friendly web interface and API access
- Customizable parameters for specific project needs
- Free tier available for initial exploration
- Developed by a reputable academic institution
Cons
- Limited free tier data volume and features
- Simulations are estimates and not substitutes for on-site measurements
- Pricing details for advanced plans require direct contact
Key use cases for Renewables.ninja
Renewable Energy Resource Assessment
Estimate solar and wind power generation potential at any location worldwide using historical weather data.
Energy System Planning
Support energy system modeling and planning by providing high-resolution time series data for renewable generation.
Research and Academic Analysis
Enable researchers to analyze renewable energy variability and integration challenges with reliable simulated data.
Grid Integration Studies
Assist grid operators and planners in understanding renewable generation patterns for better grid management.
Project Feasibility Studies
Provide developers with detailed solar and wind resource data to evaluate project viability.
How Renewables.ninja works
- 1
Select Location
Choose any geographic location worldwide where you want to simulate renewable energy generation.
- 2
Configure Parameters
Set parameters such as solar panel tilt, wind turbine type, and time range for the simulation.
- 3
Run Simulation
The platform processes historical weather data and runs models to generate hourly renewable energy output estimates.
- 4
Download Data
Access and download the generated time series data for further analysis or integration into energy models.
Who is using Renewables.ninja
Renewables.ninja pricing
Free
$0/month
Basic access with limited data downloads and simulation requests.
Pro
Contact for pricing
Expanded data access, higher request limits, and API usage for commercial or research projects.
Plans and prices are as published by the vendor and can change. Check the official site before you buy. Open the pricing page (opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions about Renewables.ninja
It uses satellite data and reanalysis weather datasets such as ERA5 to simulate renewable energy generation.
Yes, the platform supports simulations for solar photovoltaic and wind power independently or combined.
Yes, Renewables.ninja provides a RESTful API for programmatic access to simulation data.
While based on high-quality weather data and validated models, simulations are estimates and should be complemented with local measurements for critical projects.
It depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use the tool. The official website and documentation are the best sources for the latest details.
Data handling and security practices vary by provider. Review the official privacy policy to understand how your data is stored and used.
Some tools offer a free plan or trial with limited features. Availability can vary, so confirm on the official website.
It depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use the tool. The official website and documentation are the best sources for the latest details.
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