Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- electrical:solar:output [2023/09/20 15:57]
frater_secessus [zenith angle]
+++ electrical:solar:output [2024/02/21 11:49] (current)
frater_secessus [panel tilt]
@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 Because the difference between lab and actual conditions is so large, some manufacturers also publish [[https://www.infiniteenergy.com.au/difference-between-max-power-stc-noct/|NOCT]]((Nominal Operating Cell Temperature)) specs, a //derated// (lowered) set of specs which might or might not be more indicative of what you will see in your use case.  NOCT is another tool in the toolbox, not gospel truth.
-In practical terms, it's common to see a maximum of 75% of STC under good conditions, more under great conditions, and much less under poor solar conditions.
+In practical terms, it's common to see a maximum of 75% of STC under good conditions, more under great conditions, and much less under poor solar conditions. And about half of that in winter.
+===== where and when =====
+The location and season both have profound effects on solar harvest. [[opinion:frater_secessus:panelsizesforinsolation#representative_areas|For example]], Phoenix AZ has **over 8.5x the amount of solar power** available in summer as Seattle WA in the winter.  For any given location, winter harvest will be about half of summer harvest.
+You can estimate solar harvest using [[electrical:solar:pvwatts|models like PVwatts]].
 ===== lack of demand =====
@@ Line 83: / Line 93: @@
 All other things being equal, peak harvest will happen at local solar noon((rarely clock-noon)) when the sun is highest in the sky.
-This leads to a paradox:  some systems with [[electrical:solar:overpaneling#vs_battery_bank|relatively large arrays]] will have completed Bulk charging by solar noon and so will not demonstrate full output.  In this scenario a smaller array could show higher //peak// output power but could not produce more overall Wh than the larger array.
+This leads to a paradox:  some systems with [[electrical:solar:overpaneling#vs_battery_bank|relatively large arrays]] will have completed Bulk charging before solar noon and so do not have the chance to demonstrate full output.  In this scenario a smaller array could theoretically show higher //peak// output power but could not produce more overall Wh over the course of the day than the larger array.
@@ Line 193: / Line 203: @@
 Pro:
-  * +30% daily harvest is possible, depending on the sun's position((peak harvest may be much higher at some times but daily harvest is more applicable for offgrid vanlife))
+  * optimal tilt will increase harvest when the sun is low and skies are clear.((peak harvest numbers are more impressive but of less import.))
-  * can be used to increase harvest if roof space is maxxed (cannot add more panel)
+  * can be used to further increase harvest if roof space is maxxed (cannot add more panel)
 Con:

RV and vandwellers wiki

User Tools

Site Tools

Differences

Page Tools