MANUAL 5.3

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PVGIS:
Free Solar Simulator to Estimate Photovoltaic Production

Investing in solar panels is an option, but at what cost?
How can you determine if purchasing a photovoltaic system will be profitable?
And if so, when will it become profitable?

When you contact an installer for a quote, they certainly provide
an estimate. However, how accurate is this estimate?

It is surprising to find that finding a precise answer to this question
is a challenging task.

Calculating the production of solar panels requires taking into account many
factors, such as the type of equipment, the age of the panels, shading, sunlight,
orientation, tilt, and many others. For a few years, there has been an online
and free solution that provides an estimate of solar panel production: PVGIS "Photovoltaic Geographical Information System".

PVGIS analyzes GPS data, weather data, and other information to determine
the profile of a solar device and then estimates photovoltaic production.

Using Google Maps data, this software is both accurate and easy to use.

Forget divination, tarot cards, and signs in coffee grounds, PVGIS has everything
you need to convince you!

PVGIS is an online tool, accessible to everyone with just a click.

It was launched by the European Commission in 2007 to support the development
of renewable energies by providing maximum information to citizens.

Main Features of the PVGIS Tool

The efficiency of a solar panel depends on many factors such as orientation,
solar radiation, sunlight hours, temperature, shading, the materials
used, etc. PVGIS performs calculations by cross-referencing this data to estimate
the production of your solar panels.

USER MANUAL
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PVGIS provides solar radiation maps (irradiation in kWh/m²) and accurate
temperature data for all regions of the world. It takes into account
solar irradiation as well as the elevation of the surrounding terrain.

PVGIS provides optimal data for tilt and azimuth!
This is very useful for optimizing solar energy production
and thus your yield.

Once PVGIS has completed its calculations, data and a graph are displayed
on the screen to show you the results. You can thus view the estimated
energy production of your solar installation, whether it is real or
hypothetical. However, it is important to understand these figures.

Your annual photovoltaic production shows the yield in kWh/kWc/year.
Energy is expressed in kWh (kilowatt-hour):
it is the product of power (in W) by time (in h). Thus, 1 kWh corresponds
to the production of one kilowatt (1,000 watts) in one hour.

The power of a panel is estimated based on one hour of production in kWc
(kilowatt peak).
The kWc represents the maximum expected production of a photovoltaic panel
under specific reference conditions in terms of location and use.

PVGIS remains the most advanced tool for anticipating the performance of a
photovoltaic system. It is important to remember that PVGIS operates in a
theoretical environment, and the actual power of a photovoltaic system
can vary significantly once it is installed and operational.

PVGIS, the Number 1 Solar Simulation Platform in the World

PVGIS.COM is a world-renowned solar simulation platform developed by a consortium of European solar energy
professionals and experienced engineers. Thanks to high-level independent and neutral expertise,

PVGIS.COM offers reliable and accurate simulations to optimize investments in solar energy.

PVGIS.COM has several significant advantages for those considering investing in solar panels or looking to do so.
Optimize their existing solar installations:

1. Accuracy of Estimates:

PVGIS uses precise weather data and location-specific information to calculate photovoltaic production. This allows for much more accurate estimates than those based on general approximations.

2. Customization:

PVGIS allows users to provide detailed information about their installation, such as the type of solar panels, installed power, orientation, tilt, etc. This specific data enables a personalized estimate of production.

3. Location Comparison:

You can use PVGIS to compare different locations to determine which is best suited for your installation
of solar panels. This allows you to choose the best location to maximize solar energy production.

4. Decision-Making Assistance:

PVGIS provides clear and understandable data on expected photovoltaic production, thus helping individuals plan their projects.
to make informed decisions about their investments in solar energy. You can thus estimate the profitability of your business.
potential of your installation.

5. Efficiency Optimization:

By providing information on optimal tilt and azimuth, PVGIS can help improve visibility. Optimize the design of your
solar installation for maximum production. This helps you make the most of your investment.

6. Free Online Availability:

PVGIS is a free online tool, accessible everywhere. All of this makes it easily accessible to individuals who want to make estimates
without incurring additional costs.

7. Considering Geographic Variations:

PVGIS covers a large part of the globe and can be used everywhere. in many regions of the world, making it useful for people living
in diverse locations.

8. Performance Tracking:

Once your solar installation is operational, you can compare actual results with estimates provided by PVGIS to evaluate
the performance of your system and identify potential issues. deviations.

9. Reducing Financial Risks:

By obtaining an accurate estimate of expected photovoltaic production, you can better plan your investment, thus avoiding taking
unnecessary financial risks.

10. Contributing to the Energy Transition:

By encouraging the adoption of solar energy, PVGIS contributes
to the transition to cleaner and renewable energy sources, which have a positive impact on the environment.
PVGIS remains the most advanced tool for anticipating the performance of a photovoltaic system. It is important to remember that PVGIS operates
in a theoretical environment, and the actual power of a photovoltaic system can vary significantly once installed and in
operation.

PVGIS remains the most advanced tool for anticipating the performance of a photovoltaic system. It is important to remember that PVGIS operates
in a theoretical environment, and the actual power of a photovoltaic system can vary significantly once installed and operational.

This software was developed by the research center of the Institute for Environment and Sustainability of the European Commission. Website
of the JRC.