Ground solar irradiation can be estimated from satellite data.
The following map (produced by EcoSmart) shows the mean solar energy yield i.e. DC output of PV modules on a vertical axis tracking system. The calculations take into account the average temperature and its effect on PV efficiency. Continue reading Solar energy in BC
The radiation reaching the earth’s surface can be represented in a number of different ways. Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) is the total amount of radiation received from the sun on a surface horizontal to the ground. This value is of particular interest to photovoltaic installations and includes both Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) and Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DIF). Continue reading Solar Irradiation
The board of Directors of the REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY (RDEK) met on September 4, 2015 and decided to advise the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO) that RDEK supports the Node Engineering Crown land application for an Investigative Licence to assess the potential for a solar farm on Crown land north of Kootenay Highway between Cranbrook and Fort Steele.
This resolution is on page 5 of the Minutes of RDEK board meeting
Notes: This is only one step toward the final approval, which has to be granted by the Crown.
In a normal distribution dataset, 50% of the points will be below the average and 50% above. Using the average to assess the performance and return of a solar project is risky. The results have 50% chance to be below the average.
The annual irradiation variance follow a normal distribution pattern (so-called bell curve) as shown in the graph below.
The relationship between cost of power and cost of energy is an important element to assess the feasibility of a solar project.
The chart below plots this relationship for 2 PV systems:
on fixed racks (Blue) and on Vertical Axis Trackers (Brown). Continue reading Power and energy costs
The chart below summarizes the average annual energy production from PV systems installed in Cranbrook with various mounting configurations: Fixed and 5 types of tracking systems. Continue reading Tracking the sun
Solar irradiation varies year after year and the actual yield depends on how the PV modules are mounted. Fixed racks are simpler, trackers are more complex but may improve significantly the harvest of energy. Continue reading Solar energy in Cranbrook