# Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) – Classification (Levels 1–7) (`solar_suitability_index_2020_2024_master_1km_class`) — EDIS AI Agent Dataset View

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## 1. Dataset Metadata
- **Raster Name**: Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) – Classification (Levels 1–7)
- **Slug**: `solar_suitability_index_2020_2024_master_1km_class`
- **Units**: `SSI™ Class Index (1–7)`
- **Spatial Extent**: UL(90.25, -180.0) to LR(-90.0, 180.0)
- **Summary**: A classified global solar suitability index (1-7) dividing conditions into seven discrete levels for simplified interpretation and decision-making.
The Solar Suitability Index closely aligns with independent estimates of solar energy performance, indicating strong reliability as a global screening metric.

Note: Under the current 2020–2024 climatology, no regions achieved Class 7
- **Included in Flagship Map Package**: `Global_ISO9223_2020_2024_LE_V4` (`GET https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/api/bundles/Global_ISO9223_2020_2024_LE_V4/point_query`)

### Color Table & Value Breaks
- `(0.0, (145.0, 85.0, 205.0))`
- `(0.1, (137.5, 91.5, 208.0))`
- `(0.2, (130.0, 98.0, 211.0))`
- `(0.30000000000000004, (122.5, 104.5, 214.0))`
- `(0.4, (115.0, 111.0, 217.0))`
- `(0.5, (107.5, 117.5, 220.0))`
- `(0.6000000000000001, (100.0, 124.0, 223.0))`
- `(0.7000000000000001, (92.5, 130.5, 226.0))`
- `(0.8, (85.0, 137.0, 229.0))`
- `(0.9, (77.5, 143.5, 232.0))`
- `(1.0, (70.0, 150.0, 235.0))`
- `(1.0, (70.0, 150.0, 235.0))`

<section class="ssi-tech-spec">

  <h2>Global Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) – Classification (Levels 1–7)</h2>
  <p><strong>Global | ~1 km Resolution | 2020–2024</strong></p>

  <hr>

  <h3>Raster Name</h3>
  <p>Global Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) – Classification (Levels 1–7)</p>

  <h3>File Name</h3>
  <p><code>solar_suitability_index_2020_2024_master_1km_class_v2.tif</code></p>

  <h3>Short Description</h3>
  <p>
    A classified global solar suitability dataset representing the relative favorability
    of locations for solar energy development using seven discrete categories derived
    from the continuous Solar Suitability Index (SSI™).
  </p>

  <h3>Units of Measure</h3>
  <p>Classification Level (1–7, ordinal)</p>

  <hr>

  <h3>Technical Specification</h3>

  <p>
    This dataset represents a classified interpretation of the continuous Solar Suitability
    Index (SSI™), developed by <strong>AtmosphericIQ LLC</strong> using a proprietary
    multi-parameter analysis of atmospheric and radiative conditions derived from ERA5
    reanalysis data.
  </p>

  <p>
    The classification groups the continuous SSI™ surface into seven discrete categories
    using fixed threshold ranges applied globally.
  </p>

  <p><em>SSI™ ∈ [0, 100]</em></p>

  <p>
    The classification is intended to support:
  </p>

  <ul>
    <li>Rapid site screening</li>
    <li>Engineering decision-making</li>
    <li>Portfolio comparison</li>
    <li>Web-based visualization and scoring workflows</li>
  </ul>

  <hr>

  <h3>Classification Framework</h3>

  <p>
    The discrete classification is derived from the continuous index using fixed threshold ranges:
  </p>

  <p><em>Class = f(SSI™)</em></p>

  <table>
    <tr>
      <th>Class</th>
      <th>SSI™ Range</th>
      <th>Suitability Level</th>
      <th>General Interpretation</th>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>1</td>
      <td>0–&lt;30</td>
      <td>Very Low</td>
      <td>Poor solar resource conditions with severe atmospheric limitations</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>2</td>
      <td>30–&lt;40</td>
      <td>Low</td>
      <td>Limited solar viability due to persistent atmospheric constraints</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>3</td>
      <td>40–&lt;50</td>
      <td>Moderate-Low</td>
      <td>Reduced solar potential influenced by clouds, humidity, or temperature</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>4</td>
      <td>50–&lt;60</td>
      <td>Moderate</td>
      <td>Viable solar resource with noticeable atmospheric effects</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>5</td>
      <td>60–&lt;70</td>
      <td>High</td>
      <td>Strong solar resource typical of high-performing regions</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>6</td>
      <td>70–&lt;80</td>
      <td>Very High</td>
      <td>High-quality solar resource found in globally favorable dry climates</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>7</td>
      <td>80–100</td>
      <td>Exceptional</td>
      <td>Top-tier global solar resource observed in the best desert and arid environments</td>
    </tr>
  </table>
  
<p>
    These classification thresholds are fixed and globally consistent, allowing direct
    comparison across geographic regions.
  </p>

  <p>
    Under the current 2020–2024 climatology, observed SSI™ values typically range from approximately
    <strong>15 to 84</strong>, with the highest-performing global solar environments occurring within
    <strong>Classes 6 and 7</strong>.
  </p>

  <hr>

  <!-- REMAINDER OF PAGE UNCHANGED -->

</section>

  <h3>Key Characteristics</h3>

  <ul>
    <li>Discrete global classification with ordinal values from <strong>1 to 7</strong></li>
    <li>Higher classes indicate more favorable solar resource conditions</li>
    <li>Lower classes indicate reduced solar potential due to atmospheric or environmental limitations</li>
    <li>Derived directly from the continuous Global Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) – Continuous Score (1–100)</li>
  </ul>

  <hr>

  <h3>Spatial Characteristics</h3>

  <ul>
    <li>Coordinate System: <strong>GCS_WGS_1984</strong></li>
    <li>Spatial Resolution: <strong>~1 km</strong></li>
    <li>Coverage: <strong>Global (±85.0511° for web compatibility)</strong></li>
  </ul>

  <hr>

  <h3>Processing</h3>

  <p>
    The SSI™ dataset was developed by <strong>AtmosphericIQ LLC</strong> and processed for
    distribution and deployment by <strong>Engineering Director, Inc.</strong>
  </p>

  <p>
    The continuous Global Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) raster was classified into seven
    discrete levels using fixed threshold ranges applied globally:
  </p>

  <p><em>SSI™<sub>class</sub> = f(SSI™<sub>continuous</sub>)</em></p>

  <p>
    The classified raster was exported as an integer GeoTIFF to optimize web tile rendering
    performance, storage efficiency, and categorical visualization workflows.
  </p>

  <hr>

  <h3>Model Validation</h3>

  <p>
    The Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) was evaluated against independent solar performance
    datasets to confirm its reliability as a global screening and comparison tool.
  </p>

  <h4>Validation Approach</h4>

  <p>
    Validation was performed by comparing SSI™ values against the
    <strong>Global Solar Atlas photovoltaic power potential (PVOUT)</strong> dataset,
    which represents long-term average solar energy production potential (kWh/kWp)
    based on independent modeling methodologies.
  </p>

  <p>
    A set of <strong>9,864 globally distributed sample points</strong> was generated,
    and SSI™ values were extracted and compared directly with PVOUT values after
    spatial alignment to a common grid.
  </p>

  <h4>Validation Results</h4>

  <ul>
    <li><strong>Pearson Correlation (r):</strong> 0.929</li>
    <li><strong>Coefficient of Determination (R²):</strong> 0.863</li>
    <li><strong>Sample Count:</strong> 9,864</li>
  </ul>

  <h4>Interpretation</h4>

  <p>
    The results demonstrate <strong>excellent agreement</strong> between the Solar Suitability
    Index (SSI™) and independent photovoltaic performance estimates.
  </p>

  <p>
    An R² value of 0.863 indicates that the SSI™ explains approximately
    <strong>86% of the variation</strong> in photovoltaic power potential globally.
    This confirms that the SSI™ effectively captures the combined influence of solar
    irradiance, atmospheric attenuation, and environmental conditions on solar energy suitability.
  </p>

  <h4>Model Behavior</h4>

  <p>The SSI™ correctly identifies high-suitability regions such as:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Sahara Desert</li>
    <li>Arabian Peninsula</li>
    <li>Atacama Desert</li>
    <li>Southwestern United States</li>
    <li>Interior Australia</li>
  </ul>

  <p>It also identifies lower suitability regions characterized by:</p>
  <ul>
    <li>persistent cloud cover</li>
    <li>high atmospheric moisture</li>
    <li>elevated humidity or temperature constraints</li>
  </ul>

  <p>
    This spatial consistency further supports the physical validity of the model.
  </p>

  <hr>

  <h3>Scope and Intended Use</h3>

  <p>
    The Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) is a <strong>relative scoring model</strong> designed for:
  </p>

  <ul>
    <li>global solar resource screening</li>
    <li>comparative site evaluation</li>
    <li>portfolio analysis</li>
    <li>geospatial decision support</li>
  </ul>

  <p>
    The classified SSI™ dataset is not intended to predict exact system output, but rather
    to provide a normalized, globally consistent categorical measure of solar suitability
    based on climatological conditions.
  </p>

  <hr>

  <h3>Data Access & API Services</h3>

  <p>
    The SSI™ dataset is developed by <strong>AtmosphericIQ LLC</strong> and made available through
    <strong>Engineering Director, Inc.</strong> platforms.
  </p>

  <p>
    Interactive map access, API integration, bulk-scoring, and enterprise lookup services are available at:<br>
    <a href="https://www.engineeringdirector.com" target="_blank">www.engineeringdirector.com</a>
  </p>

  <p>
    Use of the SSI™ dataset beyond visual interpretation, including API access, bulk-scoring,
    automated queries, or integration into external systems, is subject to the Engineering Director API Terms of Service.
  </p>

  <hr>

 <hr>

<h3>Related SSI™ Datasets</h3>

<p>
  Additional Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) products are available at multiple
  classification levels and spatial extents.
</p>

<ul>
  <li>
    <strong>Regional Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) – Index (1–7)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/solar_suitability_index_2020_2024_master_1km_class_Clip" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a><br>
    <span>Regionally clipped categorical suitability dataset for focused analysis.</span>
  </li>
  <br>

  <li>
    <strong>Global Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) – Index (1–7)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/solar_suitability_index_2020_2024_master_1km_class" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a><br>
    <span>Discrete global classification derived from the continuous SSI™ model.</span>
  </li>
  <br>

  <li>
    <strong>Global Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) – Continuous Score (1–100)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/solar_suitability_index_2020_2024_web_1km" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a><br>
    <span>Full-resolution continuous global suitability model.</span>
  </li>
</ul>

<hr>

<h3>Supporting Climatic Input Layers</h3>

<p>
  The following climatic layers represent key environmental inputs used in the
  development of the Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) model. These layers are
  provided as companion visualization datasets.
</p>

<p>
  All SSI™ datasets are derived from a proprietary multi-parameter model developed
  by AtmosphericIQ LLC.
</p>

<ul>

  <li>
    <strong>Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI – Mean Irradiance)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/ghi_2020_2024_web_1km" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a>
  </li>
  <br>

  <li>
    <strong>Clear-Sky Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHIcs)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/clear_sky_ghi_2020_2024_web_1km" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a>
  </li>
  <br>

  <li>
    <strong>Beam Horizontal Irradiance (BHI – Mean Irradiance)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/direct_horizontal_2020_2024_web_1km" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a>
  </li>
  <br>

  <li>
    <strong>Clear-Sky Beam Horizontal Irradiance (BHIcs)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/clear_sky_direct_horizontal_2020_2024_web_1km" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a>
  </li>
  <br>

  <li>
    <strong>Total Cloud Cover (TCC)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/total_cloud_cover_2020_2024_web_1km" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a>
  </li>
  <br>

  <li>
    <strong>Total Column Water Vapour (TCWV)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/total_column_water_vapour_2020_2024_web_1km" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a>
  </li>
  <br>

  <li>
    <strong>2-Meter Air Temperature (T2M)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/air_temperature_2m_c_2020_2024_web_1km" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a>
  </li>
  <br>

  <li>
    <strong>Surface Pressure (SP)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/surface_pressure_2020_2024_web_1km" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a>
  </li>
  <br>

  <li>
    <strong>Wind Speed</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/wind_speed_2020_2024_ERA5" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a>
  </li>
  <br>

  <li>
    <strong>Mean Annual Relative Humidity (RH)</strong><br>
    <a href="https://secure.engineeringdirector.com/public/map/global_rh_era5" target="_blank">
      View Interactive Map
    </a>
  </li>

</ul>

  <h3>Legal & Licensing</h3>

  <p>© 2026 AtmosphericIQ LLC and Engineering Director, Inc. All rights reserved.</p>

  <p>SSI™ is a trademark of Engineering Director, Inc.</p>

  <p>
    This dataset and associated models are proprietary to AtmosphericIQ LLC and distributed by
    Engineering Director, Inc.
  </p>

  <p>
    No part of the SSI™ dataset may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes
    without prior written permission from AtmosphericIQ LLC or Engineering Director, Inc.
  </p>

  <p>
    The SSI™ dataset is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. AtmosphericIQ LLC and
    Engineering Director, Inc. make no representations regarding accuracy, completeness, or fitness
    for a particular purpose. Users assume all risk associated with its use.
  </p>

  <hr>

  <h3>Dataset Citation</h3>

  <p>
    <strong>Mazzella, J.</strong> (2026).<br>
    <em>Global Solar Suitability Index (SSI™) – Classification (Levels 1–7), 2020–2024.</em><br>
    AtmosphericIQ LLC / Engineering Director, Inc.
  </p>

  <p><strong>Based on ERA5 reanalysis data:</strong></p>

  <p>
    Hersbach, H., et al. (2020).<br>
    <em>The ERA5 global reanalysis.</em><br>
    Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, 146(730), 1999–2049.
  </p>

  <p>
    ECMWF Copernicus Climate Data Store (CDS)<br>
    <a href="https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu" target="_blank">https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu</a>
  </p>

</section>

---

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