Build on the Map allows you to specify site parameters to see how much MWdc can fit within your boundary.

Note that the Maximum Desired DC value limits MWdc and MWac.  This can prevent the array area from being completely filled with DC tables if the site capacity is significantly greater than the Maximum Desired DC.

The primary building block of the map is the DC table, which is a group of modules mounted and electrically connected together on a single mounting structure. Changing Modules High and Modules Wide under Advanced Options will change the number of modules that fit on a single table and affect the pixel size which governs how densely the tables will fit in irregularly shaped boundaries. For example, the image on the left below is a small table size (12 modules per table) versus  the image on the right which is a large table size (300 modules per table).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pane on the left will allow you to set the site parameters and can be collapsed for a full screen map view

Key Terms

Target DC or AC power output.

 

Ground Coverage Ratio – the ratio of Collector Band Width to Row Spacing.

Row Spacing – Distance between rows of DC tables.

Distance between the Site Boundary and the DC tables.

 

Determines if tables are fixed tilt or tracker.

 

Permanent angle position if using fixed tilt.

 

Minimum and maximum angles if using tracker.

 

Ratio of DC power capacity to AC power capacity.

 

The number of module ranks in a table.

 

The number of modules across a table.

 

Determines horizontal or vertical positioning of modules.

 

Solar azimuth angle is measured from north (N=0°, E=90°, S=180°, W=270°). For both Fixed Tilt and Tracker, due south is 180.