Trusted Data Sources
& Methodologies
Learn about the industry-leading databases and methodologies we use to provide accurate solar calculations, estimates, and recommendations for your solar energy decisions.
PVWatts
NREL's Solar Calculator
NSRDB
Solar Radiation Database
CEC
Equipment Database
DSIRE
Incentives Database
All calculations and estimates are based on verified government and industry databases
Industry-Standard Data Sources
We rely on the most trusted and comprehensive databases in the solar industry to ensure our calculations, recommendations, and estimates are accurate and reliable.
PVWatts Calculator (NREL)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Solar Calculator
What is PVWatts?
PVWatts is a free online calculator developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that estimates the energy production and cost of energy of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) energy systems throughout the world.
Key Features:
- Hourly performance simulations based on weather data
- System performance estimates for any location worldwide
- Economic analysis including payback periods
- Integration with high-resolution weather databases
How We Use PVWatts Data:
Energy Production Estimates
We use PVWatts algorithms to calculate expected monthly and annual energy production for solar systems.
Performance Ratio Calculations
System efficiency factors and performance ratios are derived from PVWatts methodology.
Location-Specific Analysis
Site-specific solar resource data and weather patterns influence our calculations.
System Loss Modeling
DC and AC system losses are calculated using PVWatts standard loss models.
Attribution & License:
Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Website: https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/
License: Public Domain - U.S. Government Work
"PVWatts Calculator." National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Accessed [Date]. https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/
National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB)
Comprehensive Solar Resource Data Collection
California Energy Commission (CEC) Database
Official Solar Equipment Certification Database
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
Comprehensive Incentives & Policy Database
Our Commitment to Accuracy
By utilizing these industry-standard databases and methodologies, we ensure that our solar calculations, recommendations, and financial analyses provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
Data Integrity
All data sources are regularly updated and cross-validated to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Transparency
We provide full attribution and methodology details to maintain transparency in our calculations.