PRISM accesses a number of weather station networks in order to effectively model weather and climate data. The more station input data we have for PRISM modeling, the better the resulting data products.
In addition to multiple federal, state, and local networks, we also retrieve station data from two citizen science data networks: CoCoRaHS (precipitation), and PVOutput (solar radiation).
You can participate in these citizen science networks, thereby directly contributing to PRISM data modeling efforts!
CoCoRaHS
CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail, and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, CoCoRaHS aims to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education, and research applications.
PRISM ingests CoCoRaHS precipitation observations on a daily basis and uses the observation data to help model daily and monthly precipitation across the conterminous United States. PRISM also uses CoCoRaHS observation data to help model the 30-year precipitation normals.
To become a CoCoRaHS observer, simply submit an application on their website. Note that you must use a standard 4" rain gauge, as outlined on the CoCoRaHS FAQ page.
CoCoRaHS info page | CoCoRaHS official brochure (12.4 MB PDF) | CoCoRaHS "Wanted" flyer (164 KB PDF)
PVOutput
PVOutput is a free service for sharing, comparing, and monitoring live solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation data (as well as consumption data). Anyone who owns a rooftop solar array (or any other type of solar array) can create an account, register a system, and upload generation data from their system. Better yet, if your system reports generation data via a solar company (such as Enphase or SolarEdge), you can give PVOutput access to your data stream via the company's API, such that your system's generation data is automatically uploaded to PVOutput.
PRISM ingests solar generation data from PVOutput on a daily basis as part of an effort to develop daily and monthly solar radition data products that cover the conterminous United States, in the same manner as which we model precipitation, temperature, and other variables.
To create a PVOutput account, simply register on their website, then follow the steps to add a system and input your system details. The PVOutput Auto Uploader service documentation will help you link your provider to PVOutput.
PVOutput Overview page | PVOutput generation statistics for the US
