Shading effects on PV Arrays using EnergyPlus.

Does anyone have any experience running simulations on PV arrays using E+ I would like to run some projects and try to determine the effects obstructions are having on PV Perfomance. I have done some research on NREL SAM, seems user friendly but have some concerns on accuracy. No expeience using E+ on a PV system. Are there any instructions, videos, etc.? Can 3D Modeling Softwarde be used?

Thank You in Advance.

The example file ShopWithPVandBAttery.idf does PV + electrical storage simulation for a 1 story building divided into 4 exterior and one interior conditioned zones with a return plenum. It is a low energy building with photovoltaic roof and electrical storage. If PV simulation is all you need then this IDF does that job quite well. Not sure how you could account for shading directly. One approach would be to use radiance with E+ and performa a co-simulation using something like BCVTB.

Madhur Behl

answered 2015-08-21 17:06:29 -0500

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You don't need something as heavy as co-simulation for something like shading. What you may need is a schedule. But you may not even need that. An external shading surface may do the trick.