Solar Radiation Measurements:
In measuring the aggregate amount of sun a proposed solar PV site can receive during an entire year we take into account a host of factors. Accurate assessment is critical to avoid the pitfalls of both over and under sizing a PV system. The primary factors are:
- Weather Data Files (NJ specific weather from NOAH factored into our software)
- Benchmark True Southern Orientation (accounting for magnetic declination)
- PV array Tilt and Azimuth angle (derate deviation from ideal)
- Average Percent Shade (during entire year, calculated instantaneously)
- PV panel string depreciation due to shade (non linear depreciation)
By approaching the job of measuring the
aggregate annual sunlight striking a proposed solar PV site with
care we arrive at more accurate system sizing. Over sizing a
solar PV system is unnecessary and expensive, while under sizing
defeats the purpose.
Related Links
The sun path diagram determines
how much sun a proposed PV
location receives throughout the
year.