A model of solar irradiance on arbitrarily oriented inclined surfaces is proposed, based on fuzzy logic procedures. The behavior of the proposed model is similar to that of other models of increased performance such as the models of Perez or Gueymard, though it requires only a very limited number of classes and adjustable parameters. The use of fuzzy clustering optimizes the number and definition of the sky categories. The model considers overlapping clusters and allows an improved description of the sky situations close to the transition zone between contiguous categories. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.