The module and inverter libraries for SAM's Detailed Photovoltaic Model come from data provided by the California Energy Commission (CEC). We create a new library from the CEC data each time we release a new version of SAM. Because the CEC data is updated more frequently than SAM releases, the SAM library is likely to be out of date compared to the CEC database.
If you are an equipment manufacturer and want information about adding inverters and modules to the CEC lists, see this
CEC website
.
If you are using SAM's detailed photovoltaic model for a photovoltaic system that uses a module or inverter that is not included in SAM's libraries, you can use the CEC Performance Model with User Entered Specifications or Inverter Datasheet options on the Module and Inverter input pages, respectively. Those options allow you to enter data from a manufacturer's data sheet. Behind the scenes, SAM generates the coefficients it needs to model the equipment.
Once you enter the specifications, you can use the
Save and
Load buttons at the bottom of the input page to save them to a text file to use with other SAM files or to share with your colleagues.
On the Module page, choose
CEC Performance Model with User Entered Specifications:
On the Inverter page, choose
Inverter Datasheet:
When you use these options, you are relying on data provided by the manufacturer. For equipment that is in SAM's libraries, you may find that the manufacturer data differs from the data in the library. That is because the libraries use data provided to the California Energy Commission that includes performance parameters provided by testing laboratories.
You can also import module and inverter data from PVsyst PAN and OND files. For instructions, see:
sam.nrel.gov/forum/forum-general/3386
Best regards,
Paul.