Here are a few FACTS about solar and HINTS on how to understand the data on this site:

 

  • The amount of power that is generated from the sun depends on the intensity of the sunlight and the period of time it is present (solar window).

  • Power is defined as watts over time, kWh, “kW” meaning 1000s of watts and “h” representing hours.

  • The “Yield History” graph shows the amount of power produced at any given moment in the day, with its normal peak around “solar noon.”

  • Unfortunately, there are two conditions that reduce the amount of possible power: shading and heat.

  • The dips on the “Yield History” graph are due to the effects of these two negative conditions.

  • By clicking the green “Solar” button on each site’s Graphic page, you can select to show both irradiance (intensity) and Mod-T (module temperature).
    • Comparison of these values to the dips in yield will help identify the cause of the reduced power.
    • Lower irradiance is probably due to cloud cover and higher temperature also being due to weather conditions.

  • Remember, each site also has a different design or mounting method that may also affect the performance of the system.
    • The tilt or angle of the panels determines how much sunlight is captured from the sun, more or less depending on the time of year.
    • Additionally, a system that is mounted flush with the roof will have less airflow under the panels to allow cooling, the hotter the panels the less power the panel will generate.
    • Pictures of each site are available on each site’s “Photo” tab. Tilt angle is noted within the “Plant Info” site page subsection.

  • Data can be viewed in numerous date intervals by expanding/ clicking on the down arrow at the top of each sites “Graphic” page.

  • View the “Dashboard” page for each site to help visualize the value of solar in ways other than power.

  • Both the “Graphic” and “Dashboard” pages can be expanded to full-screen for better viewing.
    • Graphic page- Click top left icon to maximize/ minimize.
    • Dashboard page- Click full-screen link at bottom of page and press ESCAPE key on keyboard to minimize.

  • Most solar data for each site can be downloaded in .TXT or .CSV file formats.
    • Click on the yellow “Values” button on each site’s “Graphic” page to view the “Overview” window.
    • Select TXT or CSV in the bottom right of the “Overview” window to download the file.
    • Choosing different date intervals In the main “Graphics” page will refine the data in “Yield” window.

  • The “Sum of Solar for Schools” page shows the total generation from all Gulf Power sites to date!