Analysis options

The Analysis tab configures the bifacial input factors that SunSolve Yield extracts for use in third-party view-factor programs such as PVsyst and PlantPredict. It also provides the option to extract some more broadly useful metrics, bifacial gain and spectral correction. For the procedure and equations behind these factors, see analysis methodology; for the values produced, see analysis results.

The Analysis tab is organised into two panels: Inputs for view-factor programs and Evaluation metrics.

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Inputs for view-factor programs

Program

Selects the target program for which factors are extracted. The choice determines which factors are available and how some of them are defined.

OptionDescriptionNone, Default. No bifacial factors are extracted.PVsyst > v7.4, Extracts the bifacial inputs used by PVsyst version 7.4 and later.PlantPredict, Extracts the bifacial inputs used by PlantPredict.

When a program is selected, its factor checkboxes appear below. Enable a factor to include it in the analysis.

PVsyst factors

FactorSymbolRepresents

Rear shading, f_S, Shading and reflection from the mounting structure on the rear side.

Transmission, f_T, Light passing between modules.

Front & rear mismatch, f_MF f_MR, Electrical mismatch from non-uniform front and rear illumination.

Effective albedo, f_A, Effective broadband ground reflectance.

PlantPredict factors

FactorSymbolRepresents

Rear shading, f_S, Shading and reflection from the mounting structure on the rear side.

Transmission, f_T, Light passing between modules.

Mismatch, f_M, Combined electrical mismatch from non-uniform illumination.

Simulations required

A read-only counter showing how many simulations the current factor selection will run. Some factors share modified simulations, so the count is not simply the number of factors selected. This count will impact the number of module years consumed.

For what each simulation changes in the scene, see analysis methodology.

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Evaluation metrics

These metrics are independent of the selected program and can be enabled for either PVsyst or PlantPredict.

Bifacial gain

Bifacial gain (g_B) — The relative increase in module DC power from rear-side illumination. See bifacial gain for how it is calculated.

Spectral correction

Spectral correction (f_λ) — The correction for the difference between the site spectrum and the AM1.5g reference spectrum. See spectral correction for how it is calculated.

When enabled, a mode selector determines the quantity used to evaluate the correction:

ModeDescriptionShort-circuit current, Default. Evaluates the correction from the module short-circuit current.Module max power, Evaluates the correction from the module DC power at the maximum power point.