Contour Graphs

I am having problems getting SAM to generate a contour graph of Annual Energy based on a parametric analysis of Tilt and Azimuth. The Contour lines are not continuous so it seems that SAM is just not graphing the results.

Hello,

Would you mind replying with a copy of your .zsam file attached so I can help troubleshoot?

One possibility is that the range of values in your parametric analysis is not wide enough to generate the graph you expect to see.

Best regards,
Paul.

Hi Paul --

Please find the .zsam file attached. Thanks.

Best,
Kevin

Hi Kevin,

The graph is correctly showing results for your analysis. You set up a parameteric analysis with a range of tilt angles between 0 and 20 degrees, and azimuth values between 150 and 225 degrees. Here's one interpretation of the countour graph:



In the attached .zsam file, I added a second case with a wider range of tilt and azimuth values so you can more clearly see which values maximize total annual output over the full range of possible values.

Does that address your concern?

Best regards,
Paul.

I am running on MAC. I think that must be the problem. I tried to run your file and got the attached error message. I also attached an image of what my graph looks like when i set it up in SAM. Thanks for your help with this.

Hi Kevin,

It turns out that there is a bug in the contour graphing function in the Beta version (SAM 2012.9.27). We are working to resolve that for the Fall 2012 release at the end of November.

Thank you for helping us find the problem.

Best regards,
Paul.