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Shading and Threshold

In this article, we will explore various irradiation analysis techniques that can help you determine the optimal positioning of your modules and racks. You will be able to cut off non optimal values from your results.

Our shading tool allows you to conduct three distinct types of irradiation analysis for both ground and rooftop projects. Using actual irradiation data from your project's specific location, this tool considers all shading elements in the surrounding area, including trees, windmills, pylons, mounting racks, and the natural slopes of the terrain for ground projects.

You can further refine your results by setting a threshold that automatically excludes all values below your defined cut-off point, enabling more informed decision-making regarding module or rack placement.

To start you analysis:

Open the Shading tool.  

A new window will open. In the Weather section select the three dots located on the upper right to upload a weather file in an .epw format which provides information of irradiation of an specific location for a long period of years. This file is found in different websites like: Energy Plus or PVGIS

Then specify the time period within the year for which you would like to simulate the irradiation data.

In the Sensor grid section select the Draw option and define the area you want to analyze in your layout. Alternatively, you can utilize the Auto feature to generate these grids easily on rooftops.

Once the sensor grid is established, ensure that you select it by choosing the Select on Drawing option or by clicking Select All.

After this in this Settings section you will need to select the type of irradiation analysis you would like to perform:

  • Irradiation on Modules
  • Irradiation on Surface
  • Irradiation on Surface with shading from PV racks (AgriPV).

Irradiation on Surface

This analysis provides insights into the direct irradiation impacting the surface of your ground or rooftop project. In the settings section, choose the Surface option. Next, click the gear icon to open a settings window. In the Surface section, you will have the option to define the sensor size and the height offset, allowing for tailored analysis specific to your project's requirements.

Irradiation on Modules

This analysis provides insights into the direct irradiation impacting the modules of your ground or rooftop project. In the settings section, choose the Modules option. Next, click the gear icon to open a settings window. In the Modules section, you can specify the sensor grid dimensions by inputting the desired number of horizontal and vertical cells.

Irradiation on Surface with Shading from PV Racks

This analysis evaluates the direct irradiation affecting the surface of your ground or rooftop project while accounting for the shading created by the installed racks. It calculates the resultant irradiation on the ground after the sunlight has passed through the racks.

Access the settings icon and, within the Surface section, activate the Shading of PV rack on ground surface option. Then, define the module transparency percentage and ground reflection value to ensure your analysis accurately represents real-world conditions.

This type of simulation can for example be used for AgriPV systems.

Within this same settings icon, you can configure how your output parameters are displayed in the Advanced section. You can choose to view irradiation values either as a percentage or in kWh/m². Additionally, you have the option to show these values directly on the drawing or to display them through colorization only. You may also choose to export the data as an Xref to save it on a different file.

Finally, to begin the irradiation simulation, click on the Run button in the main shading window.

If you need to remove any previous analyses, simply click on the Remove option to delete those results of the boundary selected.

 

Threshold

Once you have completed an irradiation or shading analysis, you can utilize this feature to filter out any values that do not meet the optimal criteria for your project.

In the Settings section, enable the Threshold option. Select the Surface option if you are conducting a surface analysis, or the Modules option if your analysis is focused on the modules.

You will then have the option to automatically remove modules or racks falling below your defined cut-off value. For module-based analyses, an additional option allows you to erase not only affected modules or racks, but also the corresponding values and grading assigned to those elements. Finally, set your threshold cut-off value—such as 80% if working with percentage-based data.

To begin the threshold process, click on the Run button.