Encast Documentation

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Solar Module ​

Solar Arrays are a collection of Solar Panels in a location, these work by using a photoelectric effect to convert sunlight into electricity. This is modelled in Encast based on weather at the location of the panel, it's angle from the ground and the characteristics of the panel. Solar panels perform less efficiently in high temperature environments and will suffer more if they are placed directly on a building

Installation ​

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Solar arrays are added by selecting "Create new installation".

Installation Details ​

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  • Name: Identifier for the installation.
  • Inverter Efficiency: The round trip efficiency of the inverter (typically around 90%).
  • angle
  • heading
  • area
  • stc

Array Design Life ​

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Defines the operational period of the solar array.

  • Installation Date: Date installation is complete.
  • Decommission date (Optional): Date after which the installation is unavailable.
  • Design Life (Optional): Number of years from installation date the installation will be available.

An installation date is required. If neither decommission date nor design life are present, the array is considered installed until the end of the simulation.

Solar Panel Model ​

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Select the desired solar array from the drop-down menu.

Panel Quantity ​

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In Solar panel details, select the number of panels in the array. Use the "Estimate" button for a calculator based on area available. TODO

Location Information ​

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  • Latitude/Longitude: Coordinates for the array (accuracy of 90m2).
  • Angle: Panel angle from the horizontal plane (0° is flat, 90° is vertical).
  • Heading: Degrees from north the panel faces (0° is north, 270° is west). Optimal angle and aspect can be estimated.

Solar Losses ​

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Modelling Options ​

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  • Building Integrated panels: Is the panel directly integrated into the building?
  • Tracking Type: Fixed, Single Horizontal Axis (North-South , East-West ), Two-axis Tracking, Vertical Axis Tracking , Single Inclined Axis (North-South).

Operational Times and Maintenance ​

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  • Operational Times can be used to define the times when an installation is active.
  • Maintenance is used to create shutdown periods to maintain assets or automatic costs based on the amount of hours an installation has run.

These are explained in more detail in the Operational Times and Maintenance Section after Modules.