TABLE OF CONTENTS TOPICS. Copyright First Solar, Inc. 22 May 2018

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2 TABLE OF CONTENTS This document provides insight on the key elements required to perform accurate energy predictions using First Solar modules with PlantPredict or PVsyst. TOPICS General Parameter Guidance: First Solar Thin Film Modules Weather Data Sources Modeling and Energy Prediction Software Tools Example Prediction: PlantPredict Additional PlantPredict Features Example Prediction: Pvsyst PlantPredict & PVsyst Results Comparison 2

3 GENERAL PARAMETER GUIDANCE: FIRST SOLAR THIN FILM MODULES

4 SUMMARY OF TYPICAL PARAMETERS Category Parameter Unit Thermal Parameters Value or Setting Series 4 Series 6 Constant loss factor K C W/m²-K Wind loss factor K V W/m²-K/m/s 0.0 Module Quality % 0.0 Module Quality- Mismatch LID Light Induced Degradation % 0.0 Power Loss at MPP % 1.0 Loss when running at fixed voltage % 0.0 Soiling Select User defined profile Yearly soiling loss factor [unitless] % Spectral Loss Monthly spectral shift factor 6 % More details on module related parameters can be found in: PD-5-390: Series 4 Module Energy Prediction Parameters included in the S4V3 Energy Prediction Bundle package. PD : Series 6 Module Energy Prediction Parameters included in the S6 Energy Prediction Bundle package. Site Specific Input If spectral calculations are not included natively in the software, use First Solar Spectral Adjustment Calculation Aid PD EX and insert resulting monthly values (Typically -1% to +5% as delivered from local meteo data) IAM Losses Table interpolation [unitless] Defined in module file 4

5 SUMMARY OF TYPICAL PARAMETERS Category Parameter Unit Value or Setting Tracking Parameters Axis Tilt Degrees 0.0 Phi Min/Max (min/max tracking Dependent on chosen structure angle) Degrees Backtracking Yes/No No (unchecked) Additional documents and aids for First Solar CdTe module technology modeling can be found in the S6 Energy Prediction Bundle More details on module related parameters can be found in: PD-5-390: Series 4 Module Energy Prediction Parameters included in the S4V3 Energy Prediction Bundle package. PD : Series 6 Module Energy Prediction Parameters included in the S6 Energy Prediction Bundle package. 5

6 WEATHER DATA SOURCES

7 WEATHER DATA SOURCES Hourly Meteo Data Monthly Meteo Data US TMY3: (typical meteorological year) compilation of measured hourly data chosen among from over 1400 US locations (NSRDB): (NREL NSRDB Viewer) click Launch the NSRDB Viewer, Download Data tab, Point, location on map, personal information, PSM tab, check TMY, check GHI, Download data. SolarAnywhere: (Clean Power Research) 10 km tiles from (public data for the US, free through 2012 only, nominal fee for current data, includes GHI/DNI/DHI only) SolarGIS: (GeoModel Solar) climdata, extended, Point location on Map, Continue, Hourly averages, fee for site/year. Extended data required for atmospheric pressure and precipitable water. Other sources include Helioclim-2, CIMIS, EnergyPlus (DOE), AZMET (U of A), 3Tier, METEONORM, etc. WRDC: (World Radiation Data Center) provides monthly irradiance from 1195 international sites, averaged from Does not include temperature. NASA-SSE: * (Source Meteorological Data Center) Satellite data for 1 x 1 grid for a ten year period ( ) METEONORM: * hourly values are synthesized using a similar method to PVsyst's internal monthly to hourly data generator For more detail on weather resources, please refer to NREL s Best Practices Handbook for the Collection and Use of Solar Resource Data for Solar Energy Applications TP-5D PlantPredict Fact: All major weather sources are linked with the tool and only require one click to download any weather file available in PlantPredict database *available in PlantPredict and PVsyst database 7

8 WEATHER DATA CONSIDERATIONS Use the highest resolution data available (choose hourly TMY3 files over monthly data sources when possible) Comparable altitudes should be sought and geographical features should be considered (ex. intervening mountain ranges or information regarding microclimate anomalies) When using tools such as METEONORM that interpolate weather data for the desired site, Interpolation between weather stations may introduce significant errors when there are differences in geographies between stations. Image from 8

9 MODELING AND ENERGY PREDICTION SOFTWARE TOOLS

10 MODELING AND ENERGY PREDICTION SOFTWARE TOOLS With the rapidly growing solar PV industry, new software tools are continuously being developed to perform energy predictions. It is important to understand how to use the tools to accurately predict energy production when using First Solar thin film modules. A general overview is provided for the following commonly-used performance prediction software: PVsyst PlantPredict Helioscope SAM 10

11 MODELING AND ENERGY PREDICTION SOFTWARE TOOLS PVsyst PlantPredict Helioscope SAM Most commonly used tool Limited functionality for utility-scale modeling No built-in spectral adjustment calculator Specifically built for utility scale solar PV projects Built-in spectral adjustment calculator ~75% faster than commonly used PV prediction software Mostly commonly used for commercial and residential PV projects Built-in spectral adjustment calculator Used for complex system designs Mostly commonly used for academic applications No built-in spectral adjustment calculator 11

12 EXAMPLE PREDICTION: PLANTPREDICT

13 PLANTPREDICT SITE SELECTION Create a new project Input project name Save new project Input project location (using coordinates, address, or clicking on map) 13

14 PLANTPREDICT BUILDING A PV PLANT PREDICTION Create new prediction Name the prediction Select the type of prediction to be created Build Block by Block: to create PV system using user system design inputs Build on a map: to create PV system layout on map and design with local site constraints Build a Batch of Variations: to analyze the performance and obtain the optimum parameters to use for best performance 14

15 PLANTPREDICT BUILD BLOCK BY BLOCK OVERVIEW The prediction page layout is divided into 4 segments: 1. Environmental conditions 2. Power Plant Builder 3. Simulation Settings 4. Development summary/ overview Prediction is ready for simulation once steps 1-3 are followed in order. 15

16 PLANTPREDICT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Details of nearby weather files Adding a new weather file Project location Nearby weather files 16

17 PLANTPREDICT ADDING NEW WEATHER FILE Prepopulated locations details based on the project location Features to upload/ create measured weather files One click download option for available weather files for the location Weather sources available in PlantPredict 17

18 PLANTPREDICT DOWNLOADED WEATHER FILE Select weather file for prediction Weather file parameter summary and options to view/ check quality of the raw data 18

19 PLANTPREDICT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SITE CONDITIONS (PLANT DESIGN) Monthly Albedo and Soiling loss factors for the site Option to input Horizon Scene for the location Annual override for Albedo and Soiling loss factors Manual input option for monthly spectral factors Suggested plant design temperatures based on the weather file selected with option to override recommendation 19

20 PLANTPREDICT POWER PLANT BUILDER Logical hierarchy for developing a utility scale PV power plant. Starts with Block -> Array -> Inverter -> DC field. Smartly integrated, automatically adjusts parameters in all sections for changes made in one section. If the actual system design is not known, the following method is recommended: Add a Block and an Array, design the Array by completing the Inverter and DC field sections. Get to the required AC or DC capacities by increasing the number of Arrays. 20

21 PLANTPREDICT INVERTER Search and select an inverter Selected Inverter DC/AC ratio Inverter set point Design derate factor/ Power factor 21

22 PLANTPREDICT DC FIELD Search and select module Selected module and its electrical parameters Prepopulated electrical design details # of modules in a series, and other details Prepopulated module loss factors and performance parameters from module files, refer to slides #4 and #5 22

23 PLANTPREDICT PLANT LAYOUT Quick options to opt for: Mounting type (fixed tilt/tracker) Tilt/rotational limits Tracking method (true/ backtracking) Module orientation GCR Other inputs GCR/ Row spacing Ground slope for non-flat terrains Automated visualization of the PV system Advanced options 23

24 PLANTPREDICT POWER PLANT BUILDER - SYSTEM Availability loss/ plant output limit External transformers and gen-tie can be added to the system 24

25 PLANTPREDICT- SIMULATION SETTINGS Uncertainty analysis (P50, P90, P95, P99) Degradation analysis, options of performing various types of degradations (Stepped AC, Linear AC, Linear DC, Non-linear DC), and multiyear prediction. Multiple simulation model settings (Decompositions, Transposition, Module Temperature, Incident angle, Spectral, Air mass, Direct shading, Soiling, and others) 25

26 PLANTPREDICT SIMULATION AND RESULTS Green checks indicate sections complete View Results, after simulation, click to view prediction results Prediction results Export results Prediction ready to run! Prediction summary Various tools to analyze the prediction results (Charts, 12*24, and others) 26

27 PLANTPREDICT PREDICTION REPORTS Plant Summary (.pdf) Options to export various types of reports: Plant summary (.pdf) Plant summary 8760 (.xls) Inputs and assumptions (.pdf) Block summary 8760 (.xls) 27

28 ADDITIONAL PLANTPREDICT FEATURES

29 QUICK EDIT Available below the Blocks & Array option under Power Plant Builder section Quick and easy tool to change key specific design parameters and re-run the simulation 29

30 CLONE Located on the right end side of the window Helps create an exact copy of any specific section/ entity Clone Cloned prediction 30

31 PREDICTION STATUS Helps identify the status of the prediction and sharing within the organization New predictions are always created with a Draft-Private status, which means the prediction is only accessible to the prediction creator The status can be changed by clicking the CHANGE STATUS option. More details on prediction status can be found in user manual located on PlantPredict website*. * 31

32 COMPARE PREDICTIONS Helps perform side-by-side comparison of different predictions in a project 6 different predictions can be compared at once Compare items Ready to compare 32

33 NODAL DATA Complete data which was used/ developed during simulation for the final energy prediction. Nodal data can be downloaded by following the following steps: Run a prediction Find the prediction in the Predictions tab on the left side View results, export results View detailed export options Turn on the option for System Nodal Data. If needed, select the individual plant nodal data. Export Download the nodal data 33

34 PREDICTION BUILD ON MAP To opt for a Build on Map prediction refer to slide #14 Options to upload an external KMZ file Options to select any inverter/ module/ mounting type. Site and capacity details, refresh display for realization of any updates Manually draw/ edit site boundaries on map and download the developed KMZ file. 34

35 PREDICTION BUILD A BATCH OF VARIATIONS To opt for a Build a Batch of Variations prediction refer to slide #14 Choose up to 2 variables among DC/AC ratio, GCR, and Azimuth for batch simulation to study the best possible conditions for the project. Input the boundary conditions for the chosen variables along with the number of steps for each variable. 3D representation of the combined results from all the predictions with options to review each and every prediction of the batch. 35

36 EXAMPLE PREDICTION: PVSYST

37 PVSYST OUTLINE 1. Component Library 2. System Defaults / Global Parameters 3. Meteo 4. Project description a. Project weather and site (variant) b. Orientation c. Horizon d. Near shading e. System (inverters, modules, strings, detailed losses) f. Simulation g. Results Limitations This guide is a how-to, and does not explain in-depth how certain parameters used in the simulations are derived, nor the algorithms used behind the scenes See extensive PVsyst help for further information for PVsyst functionality Version notes: V are affected by a bug which results in an error in the electrical model calculation for CdTe PV modules V have issues pulling custom module IAM profiles from the database and manually added.pan files; please double check IAM values when running these versions. V have a database error that corrupts the parameters of all thin film modules. 37

38 COMPONENT LIBRARY

39 PVSYST FILES IN THE COMPONENT LIBRARY C:\Users\(Username)\PVsyst660_Data\ Inverter.OND and module.pan definitions; copy custom files here in appropriate subfolders* C:\Users\(Username)\PVsyst660_Data Imported hourly weather.met Output variable selection model for hourly output.sfi Project.PRJ &.VCx Geographic site definition.sit 8760.CSV hourly output IMPORTANT User must restart PVsyst after adding components for it to appear in the database. 39

40 SYSTEM DEFAULTS/GLOBAL PARAMETERS

41 SET UP HIDDEN PARAMETERS Select Edit hidden parameters IMPORTANT For simulation of First Solar Thin Film modules, set defaults to align with First Solar module technology guidance (see summary on slides #4 and #5). 41

42 METEO AND SITE

43 IMPORTING METEO AND SITE DATA Choose Databases Click on Import meteo data 43

44 IMPORTING METEO AND SITE DATA, CONTINUED Select external source type to match the downloaded weather file (Monthly or hourly average only) Browse for desired downloaded weather file PlantPredict Fact: Plant Predict only requires five clicks to set site location, download and use weather files from any source. For changing the.met file name to be created Define country/region and site name Data source Import 44

45 IMPORTING METEO AND SITE DATA, CONTINUED Check data quality for time shift and location details IMPORTING METEO AND SITE DATA, CONTINUED Click Graph to check GHI against clear sky model Weather.MET file created 45

46 IMPORTING METEO AND SITE DATA, CONTINUED For site parameter overview Check site parameters Check monthly meteo for weather parameters at site 46

47 IMPORTING METEO AND SITE DATA, CONTINUED Save the site.sit file Site and weather files created 47

48 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

49 CREATING A NEW PROJECT Always choose grid connected! 49

50 CHOOSE SITE AND METEO Choose the created site Click OK 50

51 CHOOSE SITE AND METEO choose the created.met file 51

52 DEFINE PROJECT SETTINGS Monthly or annual albedo input Plant design temperature limits (Manual Input) For setting the project system parameters Transposition model for POA calculations PlantPredict Fact: Plant design temperature limits are automatically updated based on weather file used for accurate calculations. 52

53 SAVING PROJECT See slide #54 for more details about saving the project. Save the file to input more system design parameters. 53

54 SAVING A NEW PROJECT Files will be saved in: C:\Program Files\PVsyst6_data\Projects For any given site/meteo pair, multiple simulations can be run under one project file (.prj) Additional simulations may vary parameters, such as azimuth, inverter, etc. These files are saved as "project variants" (.VCx) with the same root as the project file PlantPredict Fact: PlantPredict offers a one-click option to clone predictions. 54

55 ARRAY ORIENTATION Fixed-Tilt Ground Mount Single-axis E-W Tracking 55

56 ARRAY ORIENTATION (SINGLE AXIS E-W TRACKING) Rows are oriented on a north-south axis, and the array tracks east-west For a horizontal tracker where the panels are flat at noon, set the Axis Tilt to 0 If each tracker is tilted-up towards the south at a fixed tilt, set the Axis Tilt accordingly GCR typical for tracker: ~30-50% Tracker range dependent on manufacturer Backtracking 56

57 SYSTEM DESIGN Select System button to define components and system size Limited to 8 Sub-arrays/ Blocks By entering a nominal DC rating, PVSyst will recommend quantity of inverters, number of modules in series, and number of strings in parallel for inverter selected 57

58 SYSTEM DESIGN (PARALLEL & SERIES STRINGS) Select First Solar CdTe module. Enter number of inverters per PCS* FSLR nameplate already includes initial degradation, set to zero DC:AC ratio is shown here, with estimate of clipping loss Toolbox to show the effect of the chosen string configuration on the min/max operating voltage parameters 58

59 SYSTEM DETAILED LOSSES Check system default loss factors against the defaults * Thermal factors can be varied according to rooftop vs. free-field *Refer to Application Note: PD : Series 6 Module Energy Prediction Parameters included in the S6 Energy Prediction Bundle package for Series 6 PD-5-390: Series 4V3 Module Energy Prediction Parameters included in the S4V3 Energy Prediction Bundle package for Series 4V3 59

60 SYSTEM DETAILED LOSSES, CONTINUED DC wiring losses and external transformers details for the project to be updated. Under Module quality - Mismatch loses, set the module efficiency loss and mismatch power loss at MPP Incidence Angle Modifier transfer function defined in PAN file Must check Uses definition of the PV module Refer to limitations on slide# 37 PlantPredict Fact: Module technology and manufacturer based loss parameters are automatically taken up from module file. 60

61 SYSTEM DETAILED LOSSES, CONTINUED LIMITATIONS PVsyst does not account for spectral gain/loss. Calculated spectral gain/loss can be included in PVsyst through monthly soiling values. PVsyst does not allow negative soiling values; as a result, if spectral gain causes negative (soiling + spectral) values the module efficiency loss is used to compensate. The developed method has been studied and verified by multiple globally recognized independent engineers. 61

62 CALCULATING MONTHLY SPECTRAL SHIFT FROM TMY3 FILE Use PD EX Rev 3.1 Spectral Adjustment Calculation Aid * to calculate numbers for monthly soiling input. * Documents are included in the Energy Prediction Bundle package. NOTE: Refer to color code in upper left hand corner to distinguish between inputs (blue), calculated fields (grey), and PVsyst inputs (green) Select Product Type (variable) and Model Method (variable) Input monthly soiling values assumed/ measured Column colors description Quick error/ quality checks Refer to slide #63 for more details on available methods PlantPredict Fact: Spectral calculation is accounted for in the predictions. 62

63 CALCULATING MONTHLY SPECTRAL SHIFT FROM TMY3 FILE Site location information Monthly soiling loss values Method choices for spectral calculation Inputs required based on method of choice Select FS module technology/ cell technology 63

64 CALCULATING MONTHLY SPECTRAL SHIFT FROM TMY3 FILE - SOLARGIS Calculated module quality module efficiency loss factor Calculated monthly soiling loss factors Input the calculated module efficiency loss (%) and monthly soiling values into PVsyst. Refer to slide #61. 64

65 POST INVERTER LOSSES PROCESSING May compute auxiliary losses under Detailed Losses Auxiliaries If not computed in PVsyst, the following must be accounted for if applicable to the project, either hour-by-hour, or by a given constant loss factor: HVAC losses Auxiliary power losses (PLC, lighting, heating) Medium-voltage transformer losses Intra-power plant AC line losses (at distribution voltage) High-voltage transformer losses Transmission lines losses Time-of-delivery weighting Post-inverter losses generally tax plant energy by 1.5-3%. 65

66 HORIZON SHADING If there is a local structure or other obstruction (mountain range, etc.), shading effects can be modeled using Horizon Button (uncommon) Read/import option can be used to import horizon data measured by other tools. Drag red line to reflect actual horizon Right click to add points 66

67 NEAR SHADING Open the Near Shadings dialogue *Near shading is unnecessary if using unlimited sheds (Fixed-tilt utility-scale case) To modify or create new shading scheme, press Construction/Perspective In the Near Shadings dialogue: Open.SHD file for array PlantPredict Fact: Near shading, module layout is automatically performed with minimum key inputs. 67

68 NEAR SHADING (TRACKING), CONTINUED Choose Tilted axis Frame should show 0 for FS modules # of trackers should be equivalent to # of rows Backtracking unchecked for First Solar modules and checked for c-si modules Row spacing 68

69 NEAR SHADING (TRACKING), CONTINUED Orientation for S6 modules, long side of the module to be perpendicular to the tracking axis Number of modules in X axis, 1 for 1high, 2 for 2high, and 3 for 3high Number of modules in Y-axis depends on the tracker in use Adjust to modules after changing the number of modules in Y axis to adjust tracker outline 69

70 NEAR SHADING (TRACKING), CONTINUED Create multiple tracker arrays to match or slightly exceed the active area under Orient/ system Click Table to initiate shading calculation after opting Linear shadings and slow simulation under use in simulation section 70

71 PRODUCTION SETTINGS Other settings Power factor Miscellaneous tools 71

72 SIMULATION (SAVING) Simulation process status window Click OK when simulation is complete Click on simulation to run prediction Name the prediction and save the simulation/ prediction Save simulation 72

73 SIMULATION REPORT Report for detailed prediction report detailing all system and simulation conditions Waterfall diagram, excerpt from last page of PVsyst report (Loss Breakdown Report) PlantPredict Fact: Compare prediction results, 12*24, 8760, download various types of documents, and many more with PlantPredict 73

74 PVSYST & PLANTPREDICT RESULTS COMPARISON

75 PREDICTION RESULTS PREDICTION RESULTS Plant Net Energy PREDICTION RESULTS Plant Net Energy On average, PlantPredict and PVsyst predictions match within a mean energy yield difference of 0.13%±0.52% (1 sigma)*. *Accuracy of Energy Assessments in Utility Scale PV Power Plant using PlantPredict, Photovoltaic Specialist conference(pvsc), 2015 IEEE 42 nd. 75

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