Introduction

The poster reviews 1) the status of solar performance modeling, 2) the disconnect between current performance modeling and actual generation and 3) steps the industry can take to mitigate solar underperformance.

The Underperformance Challenge

As the solar industry matures, the tools to measure solar performance modeling against real results have sharpened. Analytical tools and comparative studies now give us a clearer lens on asset performance. The data reveal a widespread gap between expectations and actuality. According to recent data, solar projects are more than thirteen times more likely to chronically underperform their downside production scenarios over a multi-year period than expected.

Steps to Mitigate Underperformance

Solution 1: Avoid Compounding Underperformance – Identify & Fix Issues Before Hand off to O&M Team
Solution 2: Staff and Budget to Reduce Downtime, Underperformance and Lifetime Project Expense
Solution 3: Tie Performance Engineering Closely with Field Operations

Data for the poster in concert with kWh Analytics.