Solar Energy (Photovolatics)
Anastasios Golnas
Technology Manager
US Department of Energy
The value of a PV system to its prospective owner depends, among other factors, on the estimation of its future performance. Any such calculation carries with it some uncertainty whose magnitude also affects the value of the system as it represents a measure of risk. It is important for all stakeholders in the solar industry to understand the root causes of uncertainty, the ways it is measured, and the methodologies used to calculate a system-wide value of uncertainty in performance. Transparency is a good precondition for standardization, which itself can be used to reduce risk. This presentation will propose a number of actions that can guide an industry-wide discussion towards these goals, ensuring that PV systems are valued fairly and accurately based on best practices for measuring uncertainty and real-world performance.