A photovoltaic energy system includes a photovoltaic field configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, one or more solar intensity sensors configured to measure solar intensity and detect a cloud approaching the photovoltaic field, and a controller. The controller receives input from the solar intensity sensors and predicts a change in solar intensity within the photovoltaic field before the change in solar intensity within the photovoltaic field occurs. The controller is configured to preemptively adjust an electric power output of the photovoltaic energy system in response to predicting the change in solar intensity within the photovoltaic field.