Simplified physical evaluation/es

El análisis física de un sitio tiene como objetivo recopilar toda la información necesaria sobre la ubicación geográfica, la construcción del edificio y el paisaje que rodea el edificio. Toda esta información se puede recopilar mediante una visita al sitio y conversaciones con el propietario. El objetivo del análisis física es obtener la mayor cantidad posible de la información básica que se enumera a continuación, tomar fotografías del edificio y área circundante y crear un mapa simple de la ubicación. Si acceder al sitio es complicado, se debe crear un mapa adicional que detalle la ruta para acceder al sitio. Durante una evaluación, generalmente surgen preguntas adicionales que son específicas al sitio y otros detalles importantes que se deben anotar.

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:

• 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

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.