PV statistics and long-term degradation

PV energy system data

Important: Data sections described in this document are available for PV energy systems only, They are not provided for GTI energy systems.

When you simulate a PV energy system, its data, such as total PV power output, theoretical PV electricity potential, performance ratio, or long-term degradation, will also be calculated. You can explore and analyze this data in the PV statistics and PV long-term degradation sections, respectively.

Notes:

• The averages and summaries in the charts are always calculated using the data from COMPLETE years only! For example, if you look at a yearly summary chart in December, the calculated data will not include almost a whole year of data starting from January of the same year.

• Specific PV output charts depict data related to your site and technology, and total PV output provides data visualization regarding the actual modules and inverters used in the project.

• Use the unavailability toggle to include/exclude internal and external unavailability and snow losses values in the charts. They are included by default. You can configure both losses in the Energy system designer.

PV statistics

Imporant: The charts in the PV statistics section provide theoretical PVOUT values only. They do not take degradation losses into account.

This category provides information about your PV system's potential power output and power output statistics based on calculations derived from the Solargis Time Series.

It provides valuable insights into your energy system's expected performance variability, aiding in informed decision-making, accurate budgeting, and proactive management to optimize energy production and mitigate risks.

Summary section

• Specific PV Power Output Chart: Used as a reference for comparisons. Informs you about the system's output power calculated from the average power per 1kWp at the given location.

• Total PV Power Output Chart: This shows you the total output of the whole system.

• Both are complemented with a monthly statistics table to view specific monthly parameters.

• Use the unavailability toggle to include/exclude unavailability and snow loss values.

PVOUT specific, performance ratio (PR), and total PVOUT sections

• PVOUT Specific and PR: Shows average monthly solar output (bars) and system efficiency (line). Error bars indicate variability. Quickly compare seasonal production and spot performance trends or unusual months.

  Monthly Statistics Table: Summarizes each month’s and year’s average output, min/max values, performance ratio, and variability. Useful for detailed analysis, comparing months, and identifying performance issues.

• Yearly time series: Plots annual solar output over time, with an average line and variability band. Lets you see long-term trends, spot unusually high or low years, and assess year-to-year stability.

• Monthly and yearly summaries (heatmap table):  Displays monthly and yearly outputs as a color-coded table. Darker colors mean higher production. Easily compare months and years, spot trends, and identify periods of exceptional or poor performance.

Depending on the granularity of the simulation (selected dataset), you can explore daily, hourly, or 15-minute PVOUT values, respectively.

Tips:

• Hover over the chart to view more details.

• If you want the charts and tables to account for unavailability and snow losses, activate the toggle to the top right.  

PV long-term degradation

Long-term degradation charts depict the decline in your system’s PVOUT value, which represents the energy output drops over time. They provide you with insights into how much energy production can be expected to decrease, aiding in financial forecasting and operational planning.

The values are visualized in the PV electricity lifetime production table (also indicating the degradation rate), and are complemented with specific and total PVOUT degradation charts.

Note: PV long-term degradation page also contains the toggle to include the unavailability and snow losses in the displayed charts and tables.