Methodology & Data Attributions: Our Data Sources for Solar Analysis

Detailed Methodologies

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/

Detailed PVWatts Methodology

National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB)

Comprehensive Solar Resource Data Collection

About NSRDB

The National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) provides solar and meteorological data for the United States and select international locations. It contains the most complete collection of hourly and half-hourly solar radiation measurements in the United States.

Data Coverage:

Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI)
Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI)
Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI)

Air Temperature
Wind Speed & Direction
Atmospheric Pressure

How We Use NSRDB:

NSRDB data powers our location-specific solar resource assessments and weather-based performance modeling. This ensures our calculations reflect the actual solar conditions for your specific location.

Attribution:

Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Website: https://nsrdb.nrel.gov/
Data Coverage: 1998-Present (Updated Regularly)

National Solar Radiation Database data courtesy of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy.

NSRDB Data Usage Details

California Energy Commission (CEC) Database

Official Solar Equipment Certification Database

CEC Solar Equipment Database

The California Energy Commission maintains comprehensive databases of certified solar photovoltaic modules and inverters. This database is widely recognized as the industry standard for solar equipment specifications and performance ratings.

Solar Panel Database

Certified PV module specifications
CEC-rated power output values
Module efficiency ratings
Temperature coefficients

Inverter Database

Certified inverter specifications
CEC efficiency ratings
Power conversion ratings
Operating voltage ranges

How We Use CEC Data:

All solar panel and inverter specifications, efficiency ratings, and performance characteristics in our calculations are sourced from the CEC database to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Attribution & Access:

Source: California Energy Commission
Database: Go Solar California Equipment Database
Updates: Regularly updated with new certified equipment

Solar equipment specifications courtesy of the California Energy Commission's certified equipment database.

CEC Equipment Database Details

Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)

Comprehensive Incentives & Policy Database

About DSIRE

DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, it's maintained by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.

Database Coverage:

Federal Tax Credits & Incentives
State-Level Solar Programs
Local Municipal Incentives
Utility Company Programs

Net Metering Policies
Renewable Energy Standards
Solar Renewable Energy Credits
Performance-Based Incentives

How We Use DSIRE Data:

Financial Calculations

Current tax credits, rebates, and incentive values are integrated into cost analyses.

Location-Specific Incentives

State and local programs are identified based on project location.

Policy Updates

Regular database updates ensure current incentive information.

Attribution & Access:

Source: N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center, N.C. State University
Website: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Funding: U.S. Department of Energy

Solar incentive information courtesy of the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), maintained by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center.

DSIRE Database Details

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.

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Trusted Data Sources & Methodologies

PVWatts

NSRDB

CEC

DSIRE

Industry-Standard Data Sources

PVWatts Calculator (NREL)

What is PVWatts?

Key Features:

How We Use PVWatts Data:

Energy Production Estimates

Performance Ratio Calculations

Location-Specific Analysis

System Loss Modeling

Attribution & License:

National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB)

About NSRDB

Data Coverage:

How We Use NSRDB:

Attribution:

California Energy Commission (CEC) Database

CEC Solar Equipment Database

Solar Panel Database

Inverter Database

How We Use CEC Data:

Attribution & Access:

Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)

About DSIRE

Database Coverage:

How We Use DSIRE Data:

Financial Calculations

Location-Specific Incentives

Policy Updates

Attribution & Access:

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Data Integrity

Transparency

Trusted Data Sources
& Methodologies