Pattern-Aware BiLSTM Framework for Imputation of Missing Data in Solar Photovoltaic Generation

Accurate data on solar photovoltaic (PV) generation is essential for the effective prediction of energy production and the effective management of distributed energy resources (DERs). Such data also plays a crucial role in ensuring the operation of DERs within modern power distribution systems is both safe and economical. Missing values, which may be attributed to faults in sensors, communication failures or environmental disturbances, represent a significant challenge for distribution system operators (DSOs) in terms of performing state estimation, optimal dispatch, and voltage regulation. This paper proposes a Pattern-Aware Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (PA-BiLSTM) model for solar generation imputation to address this challenge. In contrast to conventional convolution-based approaches such as the Convolutional Autoencoder and U-Net, the proposed framework integrates a 1D convolutional module to capture local temporal patterns with a bidirectional recurrent architecture to model long-term dependencies. The model was evaluated in realistic block–random missing scenarios (1 h, 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h gaps) using 5 min resolution PV data from 50 sites across 11 regions in South Korea. The numerical results show that the PA-BiLSTM model consistently outperforms the baseline methods. For example, with a time gap of one hour, it achieves an MAE of 0.0123, an R² value of 0.98, and an average MSE, with a maximum reduction of around 15%, compared to baseline models. Even under 4 h gaps, the model maintains robust accuracy (MAE = 0.070, R² = 0.66). The results of this study provide robust evidence that accurate, pattern-aware imputation is a significant enabling technology for DER-centric distribution system operations, thereby ensuring more reliable grid monitoring and control.