We will be performing a major infrastructure and web site ugprades on Friday, September 27th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm MST (UTC -7).

The website will be down during that time.

Accuracy of PV and/or Wind modeling?

  • TJC
  • Topic Author
More
20 Jun 2018 18:17 #6299 by TJC
Hello Paul,
Can you give me an idea of the accuracy of the output of SAM?
Let me be more specific:
1. If I build a "PV power plant" at location "A".
2. I then do a SAM run of the precise same plant in location "B".
Taking ONLY the power generated, would the kWhrs/year be accurate within 1%, 2%, 5% or x?

I assume the variables are:
- The accuracy of the pyranometer used.
- The accuracy of the data notator whose records get loaded into the SAM weather file.
- The accuracy of the PV module insolation/power output curve.
- etc.

I understand that weather changes each year, but that is not my question.

I am trying to understand the case where if location "B" indicates 2% more power generated, is that site REALLY likely to demonstrate 2% better performance over time?

Thanks,
Tom

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • pgilman
More
25 Jun 2018 17:20 #6300 by pgilman
Replied by pgilman on topic Accuracy of PV and/or Wind modeling?
Dear Tom,

The accuracy of SAM's results depend on the quality of your inputs. For a discussion of weather data for solar energy modeling, see this publication from NREL. You might try searching the document for the term "accuracy:"

www.nrel.gov/docs/fy15osti/63112.pdf

If you have access to different weather data for the two locations, I would recommend running simulations using the different weather data to see if the difference in output is consistent.

Best regards,
Paul.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: pgilman
Powered by Kunena Forum