Energy Trust now allows remote shading analysis to determine acceptable solar resource and qualify for solar incentives.
Solar resource assessments evaluate the impact of shading, array tilt and orientation for annual generation of the solar electric system. The Total Solar Resource Fraction (TSRF) estimates the combined effect of shading, tilt and orientation on a system’s performance. In the past, Energy Trust required a measurement to be taken at the proposed installation site from the location with the lowest TSRF value. Effective November 14th, Energy Trust is expanding the acceptable shade evaluation methods to include remote shade analysis using one of the approved analysis tools.
Requirements for shade evaluation:
On-site Shade Analysis – Energy Trust requires the entire array(s) to have a TSRF of 75 percent or greater to be eligible for solar incentives. Projects may include modules with a TSRF of less than 75 percent if the modules are electrically isolated using micro inverters, but those modules will not be eligible for incentives. Trade allies must submit a solar resource evaluation taken from the point on the array with the lowest TSRF using an approved site analysis tool.
Remote Shading Analysis – Energy Trust requires that each plane of the array(s) have a TSRF of 80 percent or greater to be eligible for incentives. Trade allies must submit a solar resource evaluation using an approved remote site analysis tool. For detailed instructions on using these tools and displaying the required information, please refer to the Energy Trust solar program website.
The three eligible remote shade analysis tools currently eligible are Bright Harvest, Aurora Solar and Helioscope. To learn more about each tool and ask questions, register for the upcoming webinars exclusively for Energy Trust solar trade allies:
BrightHarvest
November 14, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Register for the webinar
Aurora Solar
November 15, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Register for the webinar
Helioscope
November 17, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Register for the webinar
This change will be reflected in the next edition of the solar program guide. If you have questions about the shade analysis methods or are interested in submitting a tool for evaluation, contact Jeni Hall at 503.459.4075.