New PVWatts Data

jebatty
jebatty Solar Expert Posts: 56
PVWatts has new data as of 09/08/2014. The prior data set for me was from a point 92 miles away; the current set is from 1 mile away. Much more accurate representation of my actual experience. The new data also deleted a point 46 miles away.

Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: New PVWatts Data

    What PV Watts link/address are you using now?

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • Vic
    Vic Solar Expert Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: New PVWatts Data

    The Link in this post still seems to work. Appears that PVWatts1, and 2 have been supplanted by the new version:

    http://forum.solar-electric.com/showthread.php?23132-NREL-PVWatts-New-Beta-Version-dtd-March-2014

    FWIW, Vic
    Off Grid - Two systems -- 4 SW+ 5548 Inverters, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH X2@48V, 11.1 KW STC PV, 4X MidNite Classic 150 w/ WBjrs, Beta KID on S-530s, MX-60s, MN Bkrs/Boxes.  25 KVA Polyphase Kubota diesel,  Honda Eu6500isa,  Eu3000is-es, Eu2000,  Eu1000 gensets.  Thanks Wind-Sun for this great Forum.
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: New PVWatts Data

    OK, it is here (thanks Vic):

    http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php

    Lots more data sources, "prettier" user interface, more of a pain to cut and paste results into posts (:cry:) when answering questions...

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • Vic
    Vic Solar Expert Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: New PVWatts Data

    In the Beta version, the added data in the Geographic Data set is a help. But for each scenario, using the same location data, but with differing PV data, one would need to enter a solution for a new graphic riddle EDIT: -- CAPTCHA -- This made things a bit tedious.

    Have not used the non-Beta version, so cannot say if this feature still exists.

    BUT, still, this is an excellent service from the US Government, IMO. FWIW, Vic
    Off Grid - Two systems -- 4 SW+ 5548 Inverters, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH X2@48V, 11.1 KW STC PV, 4X MidNite Classic 150 w/ WBjrs, Beta KID on S-530s, MX-60s, MN Bkrs/Boxes.  25 KVA Polyphase Kubota diesel,  Honda Eu6500isa,  Eu3000is-es, Eu2000,  Eu1000 gensets.  Thanks Wind-Sun for this great Forum.
  • gww1
    gww1 Solar Expert Posts: 963 ✭✭
    Re: New PVWatts Data

    As pv watts is defaulted for grid tie, would I put 48% for as the devalue rather then 15% they have listed? The closest location to me is still 54 miles away.
    Putting 48% devalue came up close to my actual production.
    gww
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: New PVWatts Data

    Old pvwatts was 77% efficiency, or 13% derating

    Our off grid 52% efficiency or 48% derating.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • gww1
    gww1 Solar Expert Posts: 963 ✭✭
    Re: New PVWatts Data

    Thanks Bill,
    gww
  • zoneblue
    zoneblue Solar Expert Posts: 1,220 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: New PVWatts Data

    My understanding is that for mainland us, the old versions of pv watts used land based weather station data. The newer ones uses satelite data and hence is finer grained. They claim a 10km grid.

    See http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/version_5.php
    1.8kWp CSUN, 10kWh AGM, Midnite Classic 150, Outback VFX3024E,
    http://zoneblue.org/cms/page.php?view=off-grid-solar