Data and Solar Energy Friendship

I found it amazing to have gotten an insight of data analytics at work in a unique industry. The organization I work for participated in a volunteer day activity to install solar panels for low income families. I was a participant and really found the day to be interesting and fulfilling especially due to the fact that I had the ability to be part of something that would impact people in a positive way. While on our routine we had an educational interaction with the site manager who pulled a report to explain the design of the system and how they would track usage etc. I inquired more about the design and he told me that they used an advance solar software called “Helioscope.”  Heioscope helps engineers in designing solar panels and gives them the ability to create more accurate estimates in cost, energy model as well as module count. Helioscope is also integrated with Google Sketchup which imports 3D models for advanced shade calculations which helps to determine where to mount the panels.

Tracking performance of solar units can lead to multiple results through measurements including solar production, how much solar energy you export back to the grid. It also measures all your household consumption data. It tells if you exporting most of your energy are there a time of day when your load surges? Is one discrete device using most of this energy? Are there opportunities to change things?  The reports are in real time and allows for precise and accurate information.