In some cases, only a portion of an array will meet TSRF incentive eligibility requirements due to shading from a large object. In these cases, a trade ally may use an approved onsite shade analysis tool such as a Solmetric Suneye or Scanifly’s Drone Modeling to indicate a partially qualifying array provided modules are electrically isolated from one another using microinverters, separate MPPTs, or other pre-approved means.

Trade allies may not use remote shade analysis tools to partially qualify arrays as they lack the granularity necessary to measure TSRF at a module level. Partially qualifying systems must have more than 2kW DC of incentive eligible as indicated in the “Qualify System Size (kW DC)” field in PowerClerk. Review TSRF requirements for on-site shade analyses below.

Solar + Storage Design and Installation Requirements

2.5.2a. On-site shade analysis: TSRF of 75% or greater at all points on the array for string inverters. Projects may include individual modules with a TSRF of less than 75% if the modules are electrically isolated from one another using microinverters or other pre-approved technology; however, those modules that do not meet the 75% requirement will not be eligible for program incentives.

Under this requirement, on-site shade measurements should be taken from the lowest qualifying point on the array, defined as modules along the same plane. Modules on the same plane will have the same tilt, azimuth and relative elevation. All application submissions measuring shade on-site must denote the location for which the measurement was taken on the physical layout, shown in the image below.

Figure 1: Note the Suneye Skyview callouts on the physical layout.

Please reach out to your account manager or solar@energytrust.org with questions!