Enhanced Photovoltaic Power Model Fidelity Using On-Site Irradiance and Degradation-Informed Performance Input

The impact of irradiance data collection location and degradation-informed module performance on irradiance-to-power model accuracy is evaluated. A decrease in RMSE of over 20% is found for output power predictions using NREL PVWatts when site-specific irradiance data are coupled with maximum power point output characteristics obtained using accelerated lifecycle testing.