Derate Factor For Solar Panels

Field measurements of pv modules may show that the pv module powers are different than the nameplate rating or that they experienced light induced degradation upon exposure even crystalline silicon pv modules typically lose 2 of their initial power before power stabilizes after the first few hours of exposure to sunlight.

Derate factor for solar panels. Tools such as solar pathfinder may be used to determine a derate factor for. The dc to ac derate factor involves the conversion of dc electricity to ac electricity because solar panels create dc electricity and your house uses ac electricity see electricity article this website. Shading derate factor pvwatts definition. The derate factor for the pv module nameplate dc rating accounts for the accuracy of the manufacturer s nameplate rating.

For the default value of 1 00 pvwatts assumes the pv modules are not shaded. Several specific factors known as derate factors can reduce the amount of solar electricity created by a pv system. Some factors like shading on the photovoltaic panels can be eliminated through the pv installation process. The derate factor for shading accounts for situations when pv modules are shaded by nearby buildings objects or other pv modules and array structure.

Use the derating factor to account for such factors as soiling of the panels wiring losses shading snow cover aging and so on. The aging or derating factor is usually covered by the manufacturer performance warranty. The photovoltaic pv derating factor is a scaling factor that homer applies to the pv array power output to account for reduced output in real world operating conditions compared to the conditions under which the pv panel was rated. This includes factors such as the dc to ac derate factor age shading sun tracking etc.

Other factors including energy conversion losses wiring inefficiencies and module heating are unavoidable. Like everything else pv modules degrade with time. Solar derating the full power generating capacity of your solar panels is achieved only when the otherwise as the angle of the sun changes less power is produced. The derate factor is the loss of power efficiency due to all the factors that interfere with a perfect system.

Converting dc to ac requires additional devices including a transformer. Diy solar design tips to improve dc to ac derating while many of the derate factors may be unavoidable you can take steps to reduce your system losses. For most photovoltaic systems this figure provides a reasonable estimate for determining energy production. Some manufacturers include the initial lid at year 1 with values varying from 2 5 to 3 5.