pvlib-python
pvlib-python copied to clipboard
Times parameter description for solar position algorithms
pvlib currently uses variants of the following description for the times
parameter in the solar position algorithms:
times : pandas.DatetimeIndex
Must be localized or UTC will be assumed.
However, times
should actually be UT1!
UTC has been maintained within ±0.9 of UT1 since 1970 ish by adding leap seconds. However, prior to 1970s there are large deviations between UTC and UT1, and there may be in the future too. Therefore, I think it's wise to update the times
parameter to something along the lines of:
times : pandas.DatetimeIndex
Must be localized or UTC/UT1 will be assumed. Prior to 1970 and far in
the future UTC and UT1 may deviate significantly and in such cases
UT1 times should be provided.