Simplified physical evaluation - Revision history

Alex at 16:28, 26 March 2021

2021-03-26T16:28:51Z

Alex at 16:17, 26 March 2021

2021-03-26T16:17:45Z

Alex at 20:50, 24 March 2021

2021-03-24T20:50:01Z

Alex: Marked this version for translation

2021-03-24T20:16:29Z

Marked this version for translation

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Alex at 20:16, 24 March 2021

2021-03-24T20:16:15Z

Alex at 15:48, 19 January 2021

2021-01-19T15:48:21Z

Alex at 14:43, 19 January 2021

2021-01-19T14:43:15Z

Alex: Created page with "Category:Site evaluation The physical evaluation of a site aims to gather all the necessary information about the geographic location, building construction and the landsc..."

2021-01-19T14:30:16Z

Created page with "Category:Site evaluation The physical evaluation of a site aims to gather all the necessary information about the geographic location, building construction and the landsc..."

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[[Category:Site evaluation]]
The physical evaluation of a site aims to gather all the necessary information about the geographic location, building construction and the landscape surrounding the building. All of this information can be gathered through a visit to the site and conversations with the owner of the property. The goal of the physical evaluation is to obtain as much of the basic information listed below as possible, take photos of the building/surrounding area, and create a simple map of the location. If accessing the site is complicated, an additional map detailing the route to access the site should be created. During an evaluation there are typically additional questions that arise that are specific to the site and other details that are noteworthy, these are valuable notes that should be recorded as well.
=Basic evaluation=
'''Owner''' 
*Name of owner:
*Phone number:
*Email:
'''Geographic location''' 
It is very important to understand how a location can be reached for a potential future installation. Information about the surrounding landscape can provide information about shading and other weather or environmental issues that may arise.
*Address:
*GPS coordinates:
*Altitude:
*Access (time and means of transport):
*Surrounding terrain (mountains, jungle, open plain):
*Common grid-supplied AC voltage and frequency in this area:
'''Structure''' 
The usage of the structure, size and type of construction will inform decisions about wiring, physical wire protection, and system size.
Type of structure (home, workshop, office, clinic, school):
*Frequency of use/occupancy:
*Dimensions of the structure (drawing):
*Type of construction (brick, concrete, wood, adobe):
'''Current electrical system''' 
If the building currently has electrical system, of any kind, it should be evaluated to make sure that it has been properly installed and is functional. There is additional information that should be gathered as it may be useful in the design later on.
*Location of distribution panel:
*Type of distribution panel (brand/model):
*Document the overcurrent protection devices and circuits in panel (photos):
'''User needs and expectations''' 
It is very important to understand the intended use of the system and the consequences of a power outage. A system that serves a critical function – like at a clinic – must have a more robust design with more PV and a larger battery bank to reduce the potential of a weather-related outage. A generator may also need to be incorporated.
*Can the user adjust load use/power consumption according to the weather:
*Consequences if the system is not operational due insufficient capacity:
'''Location of PV source''' 
It is important to evaluate the potential mounting system types, location for the PV and any shading issues that may occur throughout the year together. A hand-drawn map documenting any potential shading issues and proposed locations for the PV source is the minimum that should be done. A proper shade analysis with a tool like the Solar Pathfinder is recommended for any location that may have serious shading issues.
If a system is to be mounted on the roof of a structure then the angle of that roof surface, the direction that it faces relative to North/South, its condition and the underlying structure should be documented.
*Potential shading issues:
*Recommendation for mounting system and location:
*Alternative recommendation for mounting system and location:
'''Location for electrical equipment''' 
It is ideal that the other system components – charge controller, inverter, energy storage and power distribution – are all located in a central location that is dry, clean, easy accessible, and meets requirements for Equipment clearances and safe working space
Recommendation for electrical equipment location:
*Alternative recommendation for electrical equipment location:
'''Site drawing''' 
[[File:Sitedrawing.png|thumb|right|Example of a simple site drawing.]]
A site drawing is the most effective way to convey many details about a site and potential equipment locations. A drawing should include the following useful information:
*Dimensions for all structures
*Distances between all structures
*All potential locations for system components.
*An arrow that identifies the orientation of the map relative to the compass.
*All potential shading hazards with an estimation of their distance from the structure and height.
'''Photos''' 
*Structure (interior and exterior)
*Roof (underlying structure and surface)
*Surrounding landscape
*Current electrical system
*Any loads present at the location including information about power consumption
*Additional notes
*It is important to note any other information that may be valuable.

@@ Line 86: / Line 86: @@
 <!--T:28-->
-If a system is to be mounted on the roof of a structure then the angle of that roof surface, the direction that it faces relative to North or South, its condition and the underlying structure should be documented.
+If a system is to be mounted on the roof of a structure then the angle of that roof surface, its azimuth relative to the compass rose, its condition and the underlying structure should be documented.
 <!--T:29-->
@@ Line 156: / Line 156: @@
 <!--T:51-->
 *Any safety hazards.
-*Any other information that might be valuable.
+*Any other information that might be useful.
 ==Notes/references== <!--T:52-->
 </translate>

@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
 <!--T:18-->
-If the building currently has electrical system, of any kind, it should be evaluated to make sure that it has been properly installed and is functional. There is additional information that should be gathered as it may be useful in the design later on.
+If the building currently has electrical system, of any kind, it should be evaluated to make sure that it has been properly installed and is functional. There is additional information that should be gathered as it may be useful during the design process.
 <!--T:19-->

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 <translate>
 <!--T:1-->
-The physical evaluation of a site aims to gather all the necessary information about the geographic location, building construction and the landscape surrounding the building. All of this information can be gathered through a visit to the site and conversations with the owner of the property. The goal of the physical evaluation is to obtain as much of the basic information listed below as possible, take photos of the building/surrounding area, and create a simple map of the location. If accessing the site is complicated, an additional map detailing the route to access the site should be created. During an evaluation there are typically additional questions that arise that are specific to the site and other details that are noteworthy, these are valuable notes that should be recorded as well.
+The physical evaluation of a site aims to gather all the necessary information about the geographic location, building construction and the landscape surrounding the building. All of this information can be gathered through a visit to the site and conversations with the owner of the property. The goal of the physical evaluation is to obtain as much of the basic information listed below as possible, take photos of the building and surrounding area, and create a simple map of the location. If accessing the site is complicated, an additional map detailing the route to access the site should be created. During an evaluation there are typically additional questions that arise that are specific to the site and other details that are noteworthy, that should be recorded as well.
 =Basic evaluation= <!--T:2-->
@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 <!--T:6-->
-It is very important to understand how a location can be reached for a potential future installation. Information about the surrounding landscape can provide information about shading and other weather or environmental issues that may arise.
+It is very important to understand how a location can be reached in order to install the system in the future. Information about the surrounding landscape can provide information about shading and other weather or environmental issues that may arise.
 <!--T:7-->
@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 <!--T:13-->
 The usage of the structure, size and type of construction will inform decisions about wiring, physical wire protection, and system size.
-Type of structure (home, workshop, office, clinic, school):
+*Type of structure (home, workshop, office, clinic, school):
 <!--T:14-->
@@ Line 74: / Line 74: @@
 <!--T:24-->
-*Can the user adjust load use/power consumption according to the weather:
+*Can the user adjust load use and power consumption according to the weather:
 <!--T:25-->
@@ Line 83: / Line 83: @@
 <!--T:27-->
-It is important to evaluate the potential mounting system types, location for the PV and any shading issues that may occur throughout the year together. A hand-drawn map documenting any potential shading issues and proposed locations for the PV source is the minimum that should be done. A proper shade analysis with a tool like the Solar Pathfinder is recommended for any location that may have serious shading issues.
+It is important to evaluate the potential mounting system types, location for the PV source and any shading issues that may occur throughout the year together. A hand-drawn map documenting any potential shading issues and proposed locations for the PV source is the minimum that should be done. A proper shade analysis with a tool like the [https://www.solarpathfinder.com/ Solar Pathfinder] is recommended for any location that may have serious shading issues.
 <!--T:28-->
-If a system is to be mounted on the roof of a structure then the angle of that roof surface, the direction that it faces relative to North/South, its condition and the underlying structure should be documented.
+If a system is to be mounted on the roof of a structure then the angle of that roof surface, the direction that it faces relative to North or South, its condition and the underlying structure should be documented.
 <!--T:29-->
@@ Line 92: / Line 92: @@
 <!--T:30-->
-*Recommendation for mounting system and location:
+*Recommended mounting system type and location:
 <!--T:31-->
-*Alternative recommendation for mounting system and location:
+*Alternative recommended mounting system type and location:
 <!--T:32-->
@@ Line 104: / Line 104: @@
 <!--T:34-->
-Recommendation for electrical equipment location:
+*Recommendation for electrical equipment location:
 <!--T:35-->
@@ Line 155: / Line 155: @@
 <!--T:51-->
-*It is important to note any other information that may be valuable.
+*Any safety hazards.
 ==Notes/references== <!--T:52-->
 </translate>

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[Category:Simplified system design]]
 The physical evaluation of a site aims to gather all the necessary information about the geographic location, building construction and the landscape surrounding the building. All of this information can be gathered through a visit to the site and conversations with the owner of the property. The goal of the physical evaluation is to obtain as much of the basic information listed below as possible, take photos of the building/surrounding area, and create a simple map of the location. If accessing the site is complicated, an additional map detailing the route to access the site should be created. During an evaluation there are typically additional questions that arise that are specific to the site and other details that are noteworthy, these are valuable notes that should be recorded as well.
 =Basic evaluation=
 '''Owner'''<br/>
 *Name of owner:
 *Phone number:
 *Email:
 '''Geographic location'''<br/>
 It is very important to understand how a location can be reached for a potential future installation. Information about the surrounding landscape can provide information about shading and other weather or environmental issues that may arise.
 *Address:
 *Altitude:
 *Access (time and means of transport):
 *Surrounding terrain (mountains, jungle, open plain):
 *Common grid-supplied AC voltage and frequency in this area:
 '''Structure'''<br/>
 The usage of the structure, size and type of construction will inform decisions about wiring, physical wire protection, and system size.
 Type of structure (home, workshop, office, clinic, school):
 *Frequency of use/occupancy:
 *Dimensions of the structure (drawing):
 *Type of construction (brick, concrete, wood, adobe):
 '''Current electrical system'''<br/>
 If the building currently has electrical system, of any kind, it should be evaluated to make sure that it has been properly installed and is functional. There is additional information that should be gathered as it may be useful in the design later on.
 *Location of distribution panel:
 *Type of distribution panel (brand/model):
 *Document the overcurrent protection devices and circuits in panel (photos):
 '''User needs and expectations'''<br/>
 It is very important to understand the intended use of the system and the consequences of a power outage. A system that serves a critical function – like at a clinic – must have a more robust design with more PV and a larger battery bank to reduce the potential of a weather-related outage. A generator may also need to be incorporated.
 *Can the user adjust load use/power consumption according to the weather:
 *Consequences if the system is not operational due insufficient capacity:
 '''Location of PV source'''<br/>
 It is important to evaluate the potential mounting system types, location for the PV and any shading issues that may occur throughout the year together. A hand-drawn map documenting any potential shading issues and proposed locations for the PV source is the minimum that should be done. A proper shade analysis with a tool like the Solar Pathfinder is recommended for any location that may have serious shading issues.
 If a system is to be mounted on the roof of a structure then the angle of that roof surface, the direction that it faces relative to North/South, its condition and the underlying structure should be documented.
 *Potential shading issues:
 *Recommendation for mounting system and location:
 *Alternative recommendation for mounting system and location:
 '''Location for electrical equipment'''<br/>
-It is ideal that the other system components – charge controller, inverter, energy storage and power distribution – are all located in a central location that is dry, clean, easy accessible, and meets requirements for Equipment clearances and safe working space
 Recommendation for electrical equipment location:
 *Alternative recommendation for electrical equipment location:
 '''Site drawing'''<br/>
 [[File:Sitedrawing.png|thumb|right|Example of a simple site drawing.]]
 A site drawing is the most effective way to convey many details about a site and potential equipment locations. A drawing should include the following useful information:
 *Dimensions for all structures
 *Distances between all structures
 *All potential locations for system components.
 *An arrow that identifies the orientation of the map relative to the compass.
 *All potential shading hazards with an estimation of their distance from the structure and height.
 '''Photos'''<br/>
 *Structure (interior and exterior)
 *Roof (underlying structure and surface)
 *Surrounding landscape
 *Current electrical system
 *Any loads present at the location including information about power consumption
 *Additional notes
 *It is important to note any other information that may be valuable.