Panel Shading
Panel Shading lets you optimize the geometry of rows of flat-plate solar collectors (PV or solar thermal) by visualizing on an annual basis how much the rows shade each other each hour of the day, each month of the year. The tool accepts a location and the dimensions of the panels and environment as inputs, and produces a chart depicting the degree to which the panels are shaded each hour. By adjusting the panel dimensions, tilt, and spacing, shading can be minimized during critical periods. Screen Shots
Keywords
solar panels, pv, photovoltaics, solar collectors, solar thermal, shading, solar
Validation/Testing
Outputs verified by the author via several 3D shading models.
Expertise Required
None.
Users
International; number not known since tool was just released.
Audience
Architects, builders, homeowners, passive solar designers, energy analysts, solar energy system installers.
Input
Location, surface tilt, panel spacing, tilt, and dimensions.
Output
Chart with visual representation of panel shading for each hour for each month of the year.
Computer Platform
Any Web browser.
Programming Language
Javascript.
Strengths
Instant visualization of a large dataset; very easy to use
Weaknesses
Currently only designed for fixed panels (non-tracking systems)
Contact
Company: |
Sustainable By Design |
Address: |
3631 Bagley Ave. N |
Telephone: |
206-925-9290 |
E-mail: |
|
Website: |
Availability
Web-based shareware...free to use; $10 to $25 donation requested if you find the program useful; the tool's Web site is: http://susdesign.com/panel_shading