Resource Assessment Manager WSP St Albert, Alberta, Canada
Description and Background: The deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies has increased significantly in Canada over the last few years. The industry now has enough operational projects using the latest technology (SAT, Bifacial) across Canada to start looking back at how its performing and specifically how it compares to expectations.
Utilizing hourly production data from operating facilities in Canada, WSP has investigated the common sources of modeling error and uncertainty associated with modelling utility scale systems. This includes looking at components such as the solar resource, loss assumptions (including snow), and design considerations (e.g. terrain). WSP will present case studies from Canadian installations to inform current knowledge gaps in loss modelling techniques, direct necessary modifications and improve the bankability of energy estimates for future installations.
