🔍 Exploring the Full Potential of SAM — Looking to Learn from the Community

Hi everyone,
I’ve exploring with SAM (System Advisor Model) over the past few months for solar PV system design and financial analysis. I’ve come to appreciate how powerful it is, especially considering it’s a free tool. From performance modeling to incentive-based financial structures, SAM covers a lot.But the deeper I go, the more I realize I might not be using it to its full potential. So I’m reaching out to fellow users here — whether you're an engineer, analyst, researcher, or student — to ask:📌 How Are You Using SAM in Your Projects?Some specific questions I’d love input on:

• Custom Workflows: Are you using SAM’s Python SDK or LK scripting to automate tasks? If yes, what are you automating (e.g. batch simulations, parameter sweeps)?
• Data Input Strategies: How do you handle weather data, especially for regions with limited TMY files? Any good sources or workarounds?
• Financial Models: Are you using the default financial templates or building custom ones? I’m especially curious about how others handle PPAs, incentives, and depreciation methods in SAM.
• Integrations: Have you linked SAM outputs to tools like Excel, Power BI, or GIS software for further analysis or reporting?
• Limitations/Workarounds: Are there things you find SAM struggles with? How do you work around those issues (e.g. battery modeling, hybrid systems, time resolution)?

📈 Bonus: Sharing Templates or Sample FilesI’m also interested in seeing how others structure their projects. If anyone is willing to share templates or stripped-down versions of their project files (no sensitive data), it would be a great learning resource.

 I think there’s a lot we can learn from each other by sharing use cases, creative approaches, and pain points. If you’ve got insights, ideas, or even just questions — drop them below. Let’s build a mini knowledge hub here!Thanks in advance! 🙌