Off The Grid Power

Power Predictor Solar Calculations

The Power Predictor includes a simple solar sensor that is used to measure the solar intensity of the hours of full sunlight vs. overcast.

Solar insolation, unlike wind, can be much more reliably modelled, factoring in the angle of the sun on each day of the year for your latitude.

The reports system which you will see once you have 30 days worth or data runs off one of these solar models with around a +/-2% confidence on the annual power results.

The online models that are called upon by the Power Predictor are PVGIS (Europe) and PV WATTS (North America and ROW).  They use known solar insolation data for the latitude and longitude to model typical solar PV panel performance data, adjusting for the sun angle on each day of the year and the orientation of the roof.

Annual power output from these models are included in the Power Report summary table and ranked alongside the wind turbine systems.

Related link:

Solar Maps and Calculator Solar maps show national solar photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP) resource potential for the United States, and provide monthly average daily total solar resource information on grid cells.  PVWATTS calculator permits non-experts to quickly obtain performance estimates for grid-connected PV systems within the United States.

Power Predictor Specifications

Power Predictor Wind Reports

Once more than thirty days worth of data is collected from the Power Predictor the data file can be uploaded from the memory card to the web site which then generates instant solar calculations, wind speed and direction graphs, a payback forecast, annual energy bill savings, annual electricity generation, carbon savings, and it recommends the best options from the wind turbine and solar power systems currently available worldwide.

The Power Predictor software allows for two methods of annualising the data sample collected, depending on whether local seasonal trend data is available.  Where trend data is available, users can choose between two report types:

• Seasonally adjusted report
• Real-time report

It is best to measure wind speeds for as long a time-period as possible since the more data gathered, the closer the forecast will be.

In areas where no seasonal data is available the Power Predictor will provide results in a real-time report.

The next post will cover solar calculations from the Power Predictor.

Related link:

Wind Resource Maps

An anemometer is a device that is used to measure wind speed.  The Power Predictor anemometer is a little different than regular anemometers because it measures and assesses both wind and solar power at your site and tells you how much money you could save by installing wind turbines or solar panels before you buy.

Anemometer prices run from $12.00 for a simple hand held device up to around $5,000 for a professional wireless station.  The Power Predictor costs under $300 and is an affordable way to prevent making an expensive mistake when it comes to adding solar power or wind turbines.

The raw data collected by the Power Predictor is processed by the software to calculate an estimate of the total energy that could be generated at that site by a range of wind turbines and solar panels that are on the market today.

The Power Predictor web application works through your PC or Mac browser.  Data is uploaded from the memory card into the web site where it generates instant graphs.

Take a look at Ben Ashton’s review of the Power Predictor as he shares why he bought the Power Predictor, as well as his experience with installing it and the results of his first reports.  http://www.powerpredictorreview.com

The next post will cover the wind report forecasts from the Power Predictor.

Related link:

Anemometer history, build your own anemometer – good science project

This site is designed to help you see how convenient and affordable solar and wind power products can be.

Benefits of using renewable energy:

• Lower or eliminate power bills
• Solar lights are easy to install – no electrical wiring necessary
• Use solar and wind power in areas with no electricity
• Supply backup power for basic needs in emergency situations
• Convenient on-the-go charging for mp3 players, digital cameras, cell phones, laptops
• Supply power when camping or traveling
• Free, clean renewable energy – environment and climate friendly
• Make a difference in reducing dependence on oil and other non-renewable resources
• Sell extra energy back to the power company
• Increased home value / sell twice as fast

Benefits of a Power Predictor Anemometer:

• Avoid expensive mistakes
• The Power Predictor assesses your site for the suitability of solar and wind power